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 THE GREAT WAE IN ENGLAND 
 
 IN 1897 
 
 ,('
 
 First Edition . 
 
 Jidy 1S94. 
 
 _ Second Edition 
 
 .hdy 1S94. 
 
 Edition de Luxe 
 
 Juhj ISdJ,. 
 
 Third Edition 
 
 A vgust I894. 
 
 Fourth Edition 
 
 Atigust I8O4. 
 
 Fifth Edition . 
 
 September 18'J4. 
 
 Sixth Edition . 
 
 October ISO4. 
 
 Seventh Edition 
 
 November 1894- 
 
 Eighth Edition 
 
 December 1894.
 
 ]!(JMIiAIlT)Mi:Nr OF LONDON: "l\ l.t:i)(;ATK HILL THE SCKNK WAS AWFIL.
 
 THE GREAT WAR 
 IN ENGLAND 
 
 IN 1897 
 
 WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.E.G.S. 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 'caxLTY bonds" "sthasoe tales of a nihilist" "condemned to silence' 
 "the stolen soul" etc. 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BY CAPTAIN CYRIL FIELD, R.M.L.I. 
 AND T. S. C. CROWTHER 
 
 Eleventh Edition 
 
 L N D X 
 
 TOWER PUBLISHI:J^G company LIMITED 
 
 95, MiNORiEs, E.G. 
 
 189 5 
 
 [All Rights Reservec!]
 
 MY FRIEND 
 
 ALFRED CHARLES HARMSWORTII 
 
 A GKNEROUS EDITOR AND PATRIOTIC ENGLISHMAN 
 
 I INSCRIBE THIS FORECAST 
 
 OF 
 
 THE COMING WAR
 
 L55q 
 
 PREFACE TO NINTH EDITION 
 
 Tn writing this book it was my endeavour to bring vividly 
 before the public the national dangers by which we are sur- 
 rounded, and the absolute necessity which lies upon England 
 to maintain her defences in an adequate state of efficiency. 
 That my effort has been successful, is proved alike by the fact 
 that eight editions of the work have already been exhausted, 
 and by the commendatory and highly gratifying terms in 
 which it has been criticised by prominent statesmen and 
 leading naval and military experts, including the Commander- 
 in-Chief of the British Army. Some professional critics have, 
 it is true, questioned certain prophetic details concerning 
 naval warfare, but I think the best possible answer to them is 
 furnished by the results of recent battles in Chinese waters, 
 which, it is admitted, present to us very serious object-lessons. 
 A few passages I have revised in order to bring the events 
 more thoroughly up to date, and in sending my forecast forth 
 again it is accompanied by a devout hope that ere it be too 
 late our present insecurity will be remedied, that a national 
 disaster may thus be prevented, and that England may ever 
 retain her supremacy upon the sea. 
 
 WILLIAM LE QUEUX. 
 London, March 1895. 
 
 1308062
 
 CRITICISM BY LORD ROBERTS 
 
 United Service Club, 
 Pall Mall, W. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I have read with considerable interest your 
 vivid account of the dangers to which the loss of our naval 
 supremacy may be expected to expose us, and the means by 
 which you think we should be able to extricate ourselves from 
 those dangers. I hardly like to criticise a work which, to be 
 effective, must to a great extent be imaginative, but on one or 
 two points I would venture to offer a few remarks : — 
 
 First, You refer to the assistance the Home Army might 
 receive from India and the Colonies. I feel confident that in 
 such an emergency as you portray, the Colonies and Depend- 
 encies of the Empire would be most anxious to assist the 
 Mother Country; but unless our sea power were assured, it 
 appears to me that they would be unable to do so. Until our 
 command of the sea had been regained, we should be powerless 
 to move a soldier either from or to the United Kingdom. 
 
 Secondly, You very properly lay stress on the part which 
 might be taken by the Volunteers in the defence of the United 
 Kingdom. No one can appreciate more fully than I do the 
 gallant and patriotic spirit which animates the Volunteer Force, 
 and I most thoroughly agree with you as to the value it might 
 be under such serious circumstances as you depict. In fact, 
 the raison d'etre of the Force is to be able to defend the country 
 in the event of an invasion. But to enable our Volunteers to do 
 all that is expected of them, they must be made thoroughly 
 efficient. Much has been done of late years to this end, but 
 much more is required before our citizen soldiers can be
 
 Criticism by Lord Roberts 
 
 depended upon to hold their own against foreign troops whose 
 training is continually being carried on, and whose organisation 
 is believed to be nearly perfect. It is very penny-wise and 
 pound-foolish of us not to do all in our power to render the 
 Volunteers the serviceable body they might be. 
 
 Thirdly, You take but little account of the Militia, which 
 the Duke of Wellington considered to be our mainstay in the 
 event of a threatened invasion. The Militia would seem to be 
 rather out of fashion at present, but still it is a very useful 
 force, which only needs encouragement and development to con- 
 vert it into a reliable fighting body, capable of reinforcing and 
 co-operating with our small regular Army. 
 
 You will gather from what I have said that, under the 
 conditions specified by you, I should be inclined to regard your 
 forecast of the result of the supposed conflict as being unduly 
 favourable. I can only add that I trust such conditions may 
 never arise, and that your estimate of the means immediately 
 available for repelling foreign attack may be more correct than 
 my own. — Believe me, yours very truly, 
 
 EGBERTS.
 
 PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. 
 
 General Lord Egberts, V.C, on reading this forecast of the 
 Coming War, wrote as follows : — 
 
 Grove Park, Kingsbury, 
 Middlesex, March 26, 1894. 
 Dear Sib, — I entirely concur with you in thinking it most desirable 
 to bring home to the British public in every possible way the dangers 
 to which the nation is exposed, unless it maintains a Navy and Army 
 sufficiently strong and well organised to meet the defensive requirements 
 of the Empire. — Believe me, yours faithfully, 
 
 /^^2C^^/^ 
 
 Field-Marshal Viscount Wolseley, K.P., in his Life of 
 Marlborough, speaks plainly when he says — 
 
 The last battle fought in England was fought to secure James hia 
 crown. If through the folly and parsimony of our people we should 
 ever see another, it will be fought in defence of London. The struggle 0\ 
 will be, not for a dynasty, but for our own very existence as an C^/y 
 independent nation. Are we prepared to meet it ? The politician says 
 Yes ; the soldier and the sailor say No. 
 
 Such outspoken expressions of opinion from two of our 
 chief military authorities should cause the British public to 
 pause and reflect. On all hands it is admitted by both naval 
 and military experts, that, notwithstanding the increase of our
 
 Preface 
 
 Navy by the Spencer programme, our country is inadequately 
 defended and totally unprepared for war. The extraordinary 
 preparations now going forward in France and Eussia are 
 being made in view of an attack upon England, and it is 
 ominous that the downfall of our Empire is a perpetual subject 
 of discussion in the Paris press. Although a Briton, I have lived 
 long enough in France to know that the French^ while hating 
 the Germans, despise the English, and ar e looking forwa rd 
 tr^ajjnjjKJJ f'^T- lience w] ip.n their hattles jrjjpis^jwillJjonibard 
 ou r south coa sL-tOJyns. and their legions advance^ ver th e 
 Su rrey Hills _to_LQndon. When the Great War does come, it .^ 
 will come swiftly, and without warning. We are accustomed 
 to scoff at the idea of an invasion of Britain. We feel secure 
 in our sea-girt island home ; we have confidence in our brave 
 sailor defenders, in our gallant Army, and our enthusiastic 
 Volunteers, and we entertain a supreme contempt for " mere 
 foreigners." It is this national egotism, this insular conviction 
 that foreign engines of war are inferior to our own, that may 
 cause our ruin. Everything we possess, everything we hold 
 dear, our position among nations, our very life, depends for its 
 safety, firstly, upon the undoubted predominance of our Navy 
 over any likely or possible combination of the Navies of 
 Continental Powers ; and, secondly, upon an Army properly 
 equipped and ready to take the field on receipt of the 
 momentous word " Mobilise" ! 
 
 Is our Navy, even strengthened by the recent programme, 
 in a sufBciently efficient state to retain the supremacy of the 
 seas ? Let us face the situation boldly, and allow a well-known 
 and distinguished officer to reply to that question. Admiral of 
 the Fleet Sir Thomas Symonds, G.C.B., writing to me, says — 
 
 Our weak Navy, with its inefficient personnel, has now to perform 
 an enormously increased duty, such as defending increased commerce, 
 food, and coals. Our guns are the worst in the world in forty-seven 
 vessels, mounting 350 muzzleloaders, whei-e the French and all foreign 
 Navies use only breechloaders. Dimensions, expense, and very many 
 other reasons are given for this ruinous custom, but all other Navies 
 mount breechloaders on vessels of the same dimensions as our own. 
 As to expenses, such economy (so called) means the most execrable 
 parsimony — to ruthlessly murder men and disgrace our flag and Navy.
 
 Preface 
 
 Our forty-seven feeble vessels, weak in armament, and all composing 
 them, reduce our Navy to comparative insignificance, and are a prepara- 
 tion for disgrace and ruin when at war. 
 
 Yet we are content to sit idly by, confident in a strength 
 which two foreign Powers are slowly but surely undermining ! 
 Eussia and France, both barely able to sustain their gigantic 
 Armies, are to-day straining every nerve to enlarge their naval 
 forces, preparatory to a swift descent upon our shores. This 
 alarming fact we wilfully disregard, affecting to find humour in 
 the Franco-Muscovite preparations. Thus, unless we maintain 
 a Navy of sufficient strength to prevent invasion, War, with 
 its attendant horrors, is inevitable, and the scene of battle will 
 be England's smiling fields. 
 
 Turning to our Army, what do we find ? Even the civilian 
 writer who studies it is amazed at the muddle of insufficiency 
 in which it is steeped. Our Home Defence Scheme is a very 
 elaborate paper problem, but as our forces have never been 
 mobilised, its many glaring defects must, alas ! remain un- 
 remedied until our highways echo to_ ttLe _tramp of a n^ enemy. 
 Upon this point a volume might be written, but a few^lain 
 facts must suffice. JMilitary experts will, I think, agree when 
 I assert that the 2nd Corps, as planned by tliis grotesque 
 scheme, does not and cannot exist ; and while the 3rd Corps 
 may possibly stand as regards infantry, because its infantry 
 are all Militia, yet it will have neither Kegular cavalry nor 
 guns. Every one of the staffs is a myth, and the equipment 
 and commissariat arrangements are a complete guarantee of 
 collapse at the outset of mobilisation. What, for instance, 
 can be said of a system in which one unit of the 3rd 
 Cavalry Brigade " mobilises," and obtains its " personal " and 
 part of its " regimental " equipment at Plymouth ; the other 
 part of its regimental paraphernalia, including munitions, at 
 Aldershot ; and its horses — at Dublin ? Practically, half our 
 cavalry at home are to-day, however, incapable of mobilisation, 
 for, according to the latest return available, I find that over 
 six thousand cavalry men have no horses ! Again, the Volun- 
 teers, upon whom we must depend for the defence of London,
 
 Preface 
 
 have no transport, and the ammunition columns for the 3rd 
 Army Corps and the Eegular cavalry do not exist. Such 
 staggering deficits as these are in themselves sufficient to show 
 how critical would be our position if England were invaded, and 
 in order to give an adequate idea of what we may expect during 
 that reign of terror, I have penned the narrative which follows. 
 Some, no doubt, believe that our enemies will treat us with more 
 mercy than I have shown, but I firmly anticipate that in the 
 desperate struggle for the supremacy of the world, towns will be 
 bombarded and international law set at naught where our 
 invaders see a chance of success. Consequently, the ruin 
 must be widespread, and the loss of life enormous. 
 
 In the various strategical and tactical problems involved, I 
 have received assistance from a number of well-known naval 
 and military officers on the active list, whose names I am, 
 however, not at liberty to divulge. Suffice it to say that, in 
 addition to personally going over the whole of the ground where 
 battles are fought, I have also obtained information from certain 
 official documents not made public, and have endeavoured to 
 bring this forecast up to date by introducing the latest inven- 
 tions in guns, and showing the relative strength of Navies as 
 they will appear in 1897. In this latter I have been compelled 
 to bestow names upon many ships now building. 
 
 To Lieut. J. G. Stevens, 17th Middlesex Eifle Volunteers, 
 
 who supplied me with many details regarding the Volunteers ; 
 
 to Mr. Alfred C. Harmsworth, F.K.G.S., whose suggestion 
 
 prompted me to write this narrative; and to Mr. Harold 
 
 Harmsworth, who on several occasions assisted me, I hereby 
 
 acknowledge my thanks. While many readers will no doubt 
 
 regard this book chiefly as an exciting piece of fiction, I trust 
 
 that no small proportion will perceive the important lesson 
 
 underlying it, for the French are laughing at us, the Eussians 
 
 presume to imitate us, and the Day of Eeckoning is hourly 
 
 advancing. 
 
 WILLIAM LE QUEUX. 
 
 PaiNCE OF Wales's Club, 
 
 Coventry Street, W.
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 BOOK I 
 THE INVASION 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 I. THE SHADOW OP MOLOCH . 
 II. A TOTTERING EMPIRE 
 
 III. ARMING roil THE STRUGGLE 
 
 IV. THE SPY 
 V. BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN 
 
 VI. LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX 
 VII, BOMB OUTRAGES IN LONDON 
 VIII. FATEFUL DAYS FOR THE OLD FLAG 
 IX. COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME 
 X. A DEATH DRAUGHT. 
 XI. THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE 
 XII. IN THE eagle's TALONS 
 
 XIII. FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL 
 
 XIV. BATTLE OFF BEACHY HEAD , 
 
 PAOB 
 
 13 
 19 
 
 23 
 28 
 85 
 40 
 44 
 49 
 56 
 61 
 65 
 70 
 75 
 85 
 
 BOOK 11 
 THE STRUGGLE 
 
 XV. THE DOOM OF HULL 
 XVI. TERROR ON THE TYNE 
 XVII. HELP FROM OUR COLONIES . 
 
 U 
 
 99 
 110 
 125
 
 lO 
 
 Contents 
 
 CHAP. 
 
 XVIII. RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS 
 
 XIX. FALL OF BIRMINGHAM 
 
 XX. OUR REVENGE IN TUB MEDITERRANEAN 
 
 XXI. A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES 
 
 XXII. PANIC IN LANCASHIRE 
 
 XXIII. THE EVE OF BATTLE 
 
 XXIV. MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS 
 XXV. GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS 
 
 XXVI. GREAT BATTLE ON THE MERSEY 
 
 XXVII. THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED . 
 
 PAGE 
 
 137 
 150 
 162 
 174 
 186 
 193 
 200 
 208 
 213 
 218 
 
 BOOK III 
 THE VICTORY 
 
 XXVIII. A SHABBY WAYFARER 
 XXIX. LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH 
 XXX. ATTACK ON EDINBURGH 
 XXXI. " THE DEMON OF WAR " 
 XXXII. FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW 
 
 XXXIII. MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON 
 
 XXXIV. LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS . 
 XXXV. LONDON BOMBARDED • 
 
 XXXVI. BABYLON BURNING . 
 XXXVII. FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS 
 XXXVIII. NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS 
 XXXIX. THE DAY OF RECKONING 
 XL. " FOR ENGLAND I " . 
 XLI. DAWN , 
 
 229 
 235 
 
 243 
 248 
 256 
 268 
 279 
 284 
 291 
 299 
 304 
 312 
 324 
 328
 
 BOOK I 
 
 THE INVASION
 
 THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND 
 
 IN 1897. 
 
 CHAPTEK I. 
 
 THE SHADOW OF MOLOCH. 
 
 AR ! J Far in Enr/land i 
 
 Growled by thoughtful, stern-visaged men, 
 gasped with bated breath by pale-faced, terri- 
 fied women, the startling news passed quickly 
 round the Avenue Theatre from gallery to 
 boxes. The crisis was swift, complete, crush- 
 ing. Actors and audience were appalled. 
 
 Though it was a gay comic opera that was being performed 
 for the first time, entertainers and entertained lost all interest 
 in each other. They were amazed, dismayed, awestricken. 
 Amusement was nauseating; War, with all its attendant 
 horrors, was actually upon them ! The popular tenor, one of 
 the idols of the hour, blundered over his lines and sang terribly 
 out of tune, but the hypercritical first-night audience passed 
 the defect unnoticed. They only thought of what might 
 happen ; of the dark cavernous future that lay before. 
 
 13
 
 14 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 War had been declared against Britain — Britain, the 
 Empire that had so long rested in placid sea-girt security, 
 confident of immunity from attack, was to be invaded ! The 
 assertion seemed preposterous. 
 
 Some, after reading eagerly the newspapers still damp from 
 the press, smiled incredulously, half inclined to regard the 
 startling intelligence as a mere fabrication by alarmists, or a 
 perfected phase of the periodical war-scare which sensational 
 journalists annually launch upon the world during what is 
 technically known as the " gooseberry " season. 
 
 Other readers, however, recollecting the grave political 
 crises on the Continent, set their teeth firmly, silent and dum- 
 founded. Upon many merchants and City men the news 
 fell like a thunderbolt, for financial ruin stared them in the 
 face. 
 
 Evidently a desperate attempt would be made by the 
 enemy to land on English soil. Already the startled play- 
 goers could hear in their excited imagination the clash of arms 
 mingling with the triumphant yell of the victor, and the stifled, 
 despairing cry of the hapless victim. But who, they wondered, 
 would be the victim ? Would Britannia ever fall to the dust 
 with broken trident and shattered shield ? Would her neck 
 ever lie under the heel of the foreign invader ? No, never — 
 while Britons could fight. 
 
 The theatre, in its garish blaze of electricity, and crowded 
 with well-dressed men and women, presented a brilliant 
 appearance, which had suddenly become strangely incongruous 
 with the feelings of the audience. In the boxes, where 
 youth and beauty smiled, the bouquets which had been pro- 
 vided by the management gave to the theatre a bright, 
 artistic touch of colour. Yet the pungent odour they dif- 
 fused had become sickening. Intermingled with other flowers 
 there were many tuberoses. They are funereal blossoms, 
 ineffably emblematic of the grave. There is death in their 
 breath. 
 
 When the astounding news fell upon the house the per- 
 formance was drawing to a close. A moment before, every one
 
 The Shadow of Moloch 15 
 
 had been silent and motionless, listening with rapt attention to 
 the tenor's plaintive love song, and admiring the grace of the 
 fair heroine, but as the terrible truth dawned upon them they 
 rose, amid a scene of the wildest excitement. The few papers 
 that had been purchased at fabulous prices at the doors were 
 eagerly scanned, many of the sheets being torn into shreds in 
 the mad struggle to catch a glimpse of the alarming telegrams 
 they contained. For a few moments the agitation nearly 
 approached a panic, while above the hum and din the hoarse, 
 strident voices of running newsmen could be heard outside, 
 yelling, " War declared against England ! Expected landing of 
 the enemy ! Extrur-speshal ! " 
 
 There was a hidden terror in the word " "War " that at first 
 held the amazed playgoers breathless and thoughtful. Never 
 before had its significance appeared so grim, so fatal, so fraught 
 with appalling consequences. 
 
 War had been actually declared ! There was no averting it ! 
 It was a stern reality. 
 
 No adroit diplomatic negotiations could stem the advan- 
 cing hordes of foreign invaders ; Ministers and ambassadors 
 were as useless pawns, for two great nations had had 
 the audacity to combine in the projected attack upon Great 
 Britain. 
 
 It seemed incredible, impossible. True, a Great War had 
 long been predicted, forecasts had been given of coming con- 
 flicts, and European nations had for years been gradually 
 strengthening their armies and perfecting their engines 
 of war, in the expectation of being plunged into hostilities. 
 Modern improvements in arms and ammunition had so 
 altered the conditions of war, that there had long been a 
 feeling of insecurity even among those Powers who, a few 
 years before, had felt themselves strong enough to resist 
 any attack, however violent. War-scares had been plentiful, 
 crises in France, Germany, and Eussia of frequent occurrence ; 
 still, no one dreamed that Moloch was in their midst — that 
 the Great War, so long foreshadowed, had in reality com- 
 menced.
 
 i6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Yet on this hot, oppressive Saturday night in August the 
 extra-special editions of the papers contained news that startled 
 the world. It ran as follows : — 
 
 INVASION OF ENGLAND. 
 
 WAR DECLARED BY FRANCE AND RUSSIA. 
 HOSTILE FLEETS ADVANCING. 
 EXTRAORDINARY MANIFESTO BY THE TSAR. 
 
 [Reuter's Telegrams.] 
 
 St. Petersburg, August lith, 4 p.m. 
 
 The most intense excitement lias been caused here by a totally unexpected 
 and amazing announcement made this afternoon by the Minister of Foreign 
 Affairs to the French Ambassador. It appears that the Minister has addressed 
 to the French representative a short note in which the following extraordinary 
 passage occurs : — 
 
 "The earnest negotiations between the Imperial C4overnment and Great 
 Britain for a durable pacification of Bosnia not having led to the desired accord, 
 His Majesty the Tsar, my august master, sees himself compelled, to his regret, 
 to have recourse to force of arms. Be therefore so kind as to inform your 
 Government that from to-day Russia considers herself in a state of war with 
 Great Britain, and requests that France will immediately comply with the 
 obligations of the alliance signed by President Carnot on February 23rd, 1892." 
 
 A circular note has also been addressed by the Russian Foreign Office to 
 its ambassadors at the principal Courts of Europe, stating that, for reasons 
 assigned, the Tsar has resolved to commence hostilities against Great Britain, 
 and has given his Armies and Navy orders to commence the invasion. 
 
 This declaration has, no doubt, been contemplated by the Russian Govern- 
 ment for several days. During the past week the French Ambassador has twice 
 had private audience of the Tsar, and soon after 11 A.M. to-day he had a long 
 interview at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is understood that the Minister 
 of War was also present. 
 
 No official notification of the Declaration of War has been given to the British 
 Ambassador. This has created considerable surprise. 
 
 5.30 P.M. 
 
 Large posters, headed "A Manifesto of His Majesty the Emperor of Russia," 
 and addressed to his subjects, are being posted up in the Nevski Prospekt. 
 In this document the Tsar says — 
 
 "Our faithful and beloved subjects know the strong interest which we have 
 constantly felt in the destinies of our Empire. Our desire for the pacification 
 of our western frontier has been shared by the whole Russian nation, which 
 now shows itself ready to bear fresh sacrifices to alleviate the position of those 
 oppressed by British rule. The blood and property of our faithful subjects 
 have always been dear to us, and our whole reign attests our constant solicitude 
 to preserve to Russia the benefits of peace. This solicitude never failed to 
 actuate my father during events which occurred recently in Bulgaria, 
 Austro - Hungary, and Bosnia. Our object, before all, was to effect an 
 amelioration in the position of our people on the frontier by means of pacific
 
 The Shadow of Moloch 17 
 
 negotiations, and in concert witli the groat Kurojiean Powers, our allies and 
 friends. Having, liowevor, exliausted ovir [)acilic (illorts, we are conipellcd by 
 the haughty obstinacy of Ureat Britain to proceed to more decisive acts. A 
 feeling of equity and of our own dignity enjoins it. By her recent acts Great 
 Britain places us under the necessity of having recourse to arms. Profoundly 
 convinced of the justice of our cause, we make known to our faithful subjects 
 that we declare war against Great Britain. In now invoking a blessing upon 
 our valiant annies, we give the order for an invasion of England." 
 
 Tills manifesto has excited the greatest entliusiasm. Tlio news has spread 
 ra])idly, and dense crowds have assembled in the Nevski, the Izak Platz, and 
 on the ]<]nglish Quay, where the posters are being exhibited. 
 
 The Ijritish Anil)assador has not yet received any communication from the 
 Imperial Government. 
 
 Fontainebleau, Aug. l^th, 4.30 p.m. 
 
 President Felix Faure has received a telegram from the French representative 
 at St. Petersburg, stating that Russia has declared war against Great Britain. 
 The President left immediately for Paris by special train. 
 
 Paris, Aufj. 14111, AJ>0 p.m. 
 An astounding piece of intelligence has this afternoon been received at the 
 Ministry'- of Foreign Affairs. It is no less than a Declaration of War by Russia 
 against Britain. The telegram containing the announcement was received at 
 the Ministry from the French Ambassador at St. Petersburg soon after three 
 o'clock. The President was at once informed, and the Cabinet immediately 
 summoned. A meeting is now being held for the purpose of deciding upon the 
 course to be pursued with regard to the obligations of France contracted by the 
 Treaty of Alliance made after the Cronstadt incident in 1891. The news of 
 impending hostilities has just been published in a special edition of the Soir, 
 and has created the wildest excitement on the Boulevards. Little doubt is 
 entertained that France will join the invading forces, and the result of the 
 deliberations of the Cabinet is anxiously awaited. I'resulent Felix Faure has 
 returned from Fountainebleau. 
 
 [By Tx'.ltu'uu.nk thuouuu Dalziel's Acency.] 
 
 6 P.M. 
 
 The meeting of the Cabinet has just concluded. It has been resolved that 
 Fiance shall unreservedly render assistance to Russia. There is great activitj' 
 at tlie War OfSce, and troops are already being ordered on active service. The 
 excitement in the streets is increasing. 
 
 [Reuteh's Telegp.ams.] 
 
 Berlin, Ang. lAfh, 5.30 p.m. 
 Telegi-ams received here from St. Petersburg report that Russia has un- 
 expectedly declared war against Great Britain, and called upon France to aid 
 her in a combined attack. The report is scarcely credited here, and further 
 details are being eagerly awaited. The Emperor, who was to have left for 
 Bremen this afternoon, has abandoned his journey, and is now in consultation 
 with the Cliaueeilor. 
 2
 
 1 8 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Christiansand, Aiig. 14:th, 7.30 p.m. 
 The French Channel Squadron, which has been manoeuvring for the past 
 fortnight oiT the western coast of Norway, anchored outside the Ijord here last 
 night. This morning, according to rumour, the Rus'^ian Squadron arrived 
 suddenly, and lay about thirty miles off land. Secret telegraphic orders were 
 received at 6 p.m. by the Admirals of both fleets almost simultaneously, 
 and the whole of the vessels left in company half an hour later. They sailed 
 in a southerly direction, but their destination is unknown. 
 
 Dieppe, A^iff. lith, 8 p.m. 
 Ten transport vessels are embarking troops for England. Four regiments of 
 cavalry, including the 4th Chasseurs and 16th Guards, are — * 
 
 * The conclusion of this message has not reached us, all the wires connecting 
 this country with France having been cut.
 
 CHAPTER IT. 
 
 A TOTTEKING EMPIRE. 
 
 s, 
 
 E'HE excitement iu the theatre had increased, and 
 the curtain had been rung down. Death 
 shadows, grimly apparent, had fallen upon the 
 house, and the scene was an extraordinary and 
 unprecedented one. No such wild restlessness 
 and impetuous agitation had ever before been 
 witnessed within those walls. Some enthusiast of the pit, 
 springing to his feet, and drawing a large red handkerchief 
 from his pocket, waved it, shouting — 
 
 ■ " Three cheers for good Old England ! " to which, after a 
 moment's silence, the audience responded lustily. 
 
 Then, almost before the last sound had died away, another 
 patriot of the people mounted upon his seat, crying — 
 
 " No one need fear. The British Lion will quickly hold the 
 French Eagle and the Kussian Bear within his jaws. Let the 
 enemy come ; we will mow them down like hay." 
 
 This raised a combined laugh and cheer, though it sounded 
 forced and hollow. Immediately, however, some buoyant 
 spirits in the gallery commenced singing "Rule, Britannia," 
 the chorus of which was taken up vigorously, the orchestra 
 assisting by playing the last verse. 
 
 Outside, the scene in the streets was one of momentarily 
 increasing excitement. The news had spread with marvellous 
 rapidity, and the whole city was agog. An elbowing, waving, 
 stormy crowd surged down tlie Strand to Trafalgar Square,
 
 20 1 HE Great War in England in 1897 
 
 where an impromptu demonstration was being held, the 
 Government being denounced by its opponents, and spoken of 
 with confidence by its supporters. The Eadical, the Socialist, 
 the Anarchist, each aired his views, and through the throng 
 a hoarse threatening murmur condensed into three words, 
 " Down with Eussia ! Down with France !" The cry, echoed 
 by a thousand throats, mingled weirdly with the shouts of the 
 newsmen and the snatches of patriotic songs. 
 
 London was anxious, fevered, and turbulent, that hot, 
 moonless August night. At that hour all the shops were 
 closed, and the streets only lighted by the lamps. From the 
 unlighted windows the indistinct shapes of heads looking out 
 on the scene could be distinguished. 
 
 On the pavements of Piccadilly and Knightsbridge knots of 
 people stood arguing and wrangling over the probable turn of 
 events. From uncouth Whitechapel to artistic Kensington, 
 from sylvan Highgate to the villadom of Dulwich, the amazing 
 intelligence had been conveyed by the presses of Fleet Street, 
 which were still belching forth tons of damp news-sheets. At 
 first there was confidence among the people ; nevertheless little 
 by little this confidence diminished, and curiosity gave place 
 to surprise. But what could it be ? All was shrouded in the 
 darkest gloom. In the atmosphere was a strange and terrible 
 oppression that seemed to weigh down men and crush them. 
 London was, it appeared, walled in by the unknown and the 
 unexpected. 
 
 But, after all, England was strong; it was the mighty 
 Bi-itish Empire ; it was the world. What was there to fear ? 
 Nothing. So the people continued to shout, "Down with 
 France ! Down with the Autocrat ! Down with the Tsar ! " 
 
 A young man, who had been sitting alone in the stalls, had 
 risen, electrified at the alarming news, and rushing out, hailed 
 a passing cab, and drove rapidly away up Northumberland 
 Avenue. This conduct was remarkable, for Geoffrey Engle- 
 heart was scarcely the man to flinch when danger threatened. 
 He was a tall, athletic young fellow of twenty-six, with wavy 
 brown hair, a dark, smartly-trimmed moustache, and handsome.
 
 A Tottering Empire 21 
 
 well-cut features. He was happy and easy-guing, always 
 overtiowing with genuine bonhomie. As the younger son of a 
 very distinguished officer, he contrived to employ himself for 
 a couple of hours a day at the Foreign Office, where, although 
 a clerk, he held a very responsible position. Belonging to 
 a rather good set, he was a member of several fashionable 
 clubs, and lived in cosy, well-furnished chambers in St. 
 James's Street. 
 
 Driving first to the house of his fiancee, Violet Vayne, at 
 Kutland Gate, he informed her family of the startling intelli- 
 gence ; then, re-entering the conveyance, he subsequently 
 alighted before the door of his chambers. As he paid the 
 cabman, an ill-clad man pushed a newspaper into his face, 
 crying, " 'Ere y'are, sir. Extrur-special edition 0' the People. 
 Latest details. Serious scandal at the Forrin' Office." 
 
 Geoffrey started. He staggered, his heart gave a bound, 
 and his face blanched. Thrusting half a crown into the man's 
 dirty palm, he grasped the paper, and rushing upstairs to 
 his sitting-room, cast himself into a chair. In breathless eager- 
 ness he glanced at the front page of the journal, and read the 
 following : — 
 
 SCANDAL AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE. 
 A State Secret Divulged. 
 
 An extraordinary rumour is going the round of the Service clubs to-night. 
 It is alleged that the present Declaration of War would have been impossible but 
 for the treachery of some person through whose hands the transcript of a secret 
 treaty between England and Gennany passed to-day. 
 
 A prominent Cabinet Minister, on being questioned by our reporter on the 
 subject, admitted tliat he had heard the rumour, but declined to make any 
 definite statement whether or not it was true 
 
 There must be a good deal behind the rumour of treachery, inasmuch as none 
 of the prominent men who have already been interviewed gave a denial to the 
 statement. 
 
 Geoffrey sat pale and motionless, with eyes fixed upon the 
 printed words. He read and re-read them until the lines 
 danced before his gaze, and he crushed the paper in his hands, 
 and cast it from him. 
 
 The little French clock on the mantelshelf chimed the hour
 
 2 2 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 of one upon its silvery bell ; the lamp spluttered and burned 
 dim. Still he did not move ; he was dumfounded, rooted to 
 the spot. 
 
 Blacker and blacker grew the crowd outside. The density 
 of the cloud that hung over all portended some direful tragedy. 
 The impending disaster made itself felt. An alarming sense 
 of calmness filled the streets. A silence had suddenly fallen, 
 and was becoming complete and threatening. Wliat was it 
 that was about to issue from these black storm-clouds ? Who 
 could tell ?
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 AEMING FOR THE STRUGGLE. 
 
 ONDON was amazed. 
 
 The provinces were awestricken, paralysed 
 by the startling suddenness with which the 
 appalling news of the invasion had been flashed 
 to them. Bewildered, the people coiild not 
 believe it. 
 
 Only slowly did the vivid and terrible truth dawn 
 individually upon the millions north and south, and then, 
 during the Day of Eest, they crowded to the newspaper and 
 telegraph offices, loudly clamouring for further details of the 
 overwhelming catastrophe that threatened. They sought for 
 information from London ; they expected London, the mighty, 
 all-powerful capital, to act. 
 
 Through the blazing Sunday the dust rose from the im- 
 patient, perspiring crowds in towns and cities, and the cool 
 night brought no rest from a turmoil now incessant. Never 
 before were such scenes of intense enthusiasm witnessed in 
 England, Wales, and Scotland, for this was the first occasion on 
 which the public felt the presence of invaders at their very 
 doors, 
 
 A mighty force was on its way to ruin their homes, to 
 sweep from them their hard-earned savings, to crush, to 
 conquer — to kill them ! 
 
 Fierce antagonism rose spontaneously in every Briton's 
 heart, and during that never-to-be-forgotten day, at every 
 
 23
 
 24 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 barracks throughout the country, recruiting-sergeants were 
 besieged by all sorts and conditions of men eager to accept 
 the Queen's shilling, and strike for their country's honour. 
 Heedless of danger, of hardship, of the fickle fortune of the 
 fight, the determination to assist in the struggle rose instantly 
 within them. 
 
 At York, Chester, Edinburgh, and Portsmouth, volunteers 
 came forward by hundreds. All were enthusiastic, undrilled, 
 but ready to use their guns — genuinely heroic patriots of our 
 land, such as are included in no other nation than the 
 British. Pluck, zeal for the public safety, and an intense 
 partisanship towards their fellows induced thousands to join 
 the colours — many, alas ! to sink later beneath a foeman's 
 bullet, unknown, unhonoured heroes ! 
 
 Already the Cabinet had held a hurried meeting, at which 
 it had been decided to call out the whole of the Eeserves. Of 
 this the War Office and Admiralty had been notified, and the 
 Queen had given her sanction to the necessary proclamations, 
 with the result that telegraphic orders had been issued to 
 general officers commanding and to officers commanding 
 Reservists to mobilise instantly. 
 
 The posters containing the proclamation, which are always 
 kept in readiness in the hands of officers commanding 
 Eegimental Districts, were issued immediately, and exhibited 
 on all public places throughout the kingdom. On the doors of 
 town halls, churches, chapels, police stations, military barracks, 
 and in the windows of post offices, these notices were posted 
 within a few hours. Crowds everywhere collected to read 
 them, and the greatest enthusiasm was displayed. Militia, 
 Yeomanry, Volunteers, all were called out, and men on reading 
 the Mobilisation Order lost no time in obtaining their accoutre- 
 ments and joining tlieir depots. The national danger was 
 imminent, and towards their " places of concentration " all 
 categories of Her Majesty's forces were already moving. In 
 every Eegimental District the greatest activity was displayed. 
 No country maintains in peace the full complement, or any- 
 thing approaching the full complement of transport which its
 
 Arming for the Struggle 25 
 
 Armies require ; hence vehicles and horses to complete the 
 Army Service Corps companies, and for the supplemental service, 
 were being immediately requisitioned from far and near. 
 
 One of the many anomalies discovered during this critical 
 period was, that while transport could thus be rapidly requisi- 
 tioned, yet the impressment of civilians as drivers and care- 
 takers of the animals was not permitted by the law ; therefore 
 on all hands the organisation of this requisitioned transport 
 was fraught with the utmost difiiculty, the majority of owners 
 and employees refusing to come forward voluntarily, liegistered 
 horses were quickly collected, but they were far from sufficient 
 for the requirements, and the want of animals caused loud 
 outcries from every Eegimental District. 
 
 The general sclieme was the constitution of a Field Army of 
 four cavalry brigades and three army corps, witli behind them 
 a semi-mobile force made up of thirty-three Volunteer infantry 
 brigades and eighty-four Vokmteer batteries of position. The 
 garrisons having been provided for, the four cavalry brigades 
 and the 1st and 2nd Army Corps were to be composed entirely 
 of Eegulais, the 3rd Army Corps being made up of Eegalars, 
 Militia, and Volunteers. Organised in brigades, the Yeomanry 
 were attached to the various infantry brigades or divisions of 
 the Field Army, and the Eegular Medical Stafl' Corps being much 
 too weak, was strengthened from companies of the Volunteer 
 Medical Staff Corps. In brief, the scheme was the formation 
 of a composite Field Army, backed by a second line of partially 
 trained Auxiliaries. 
 
 Such a general scheme to set in battle order our land forces 
 for home defence was, no doubt, well devised. Nevertheless, 
 from the first moment the most glaring defects in the working 
 out of details were everywhere manifested. Stores were badly 
 disposed, there was a sad want of clothing, camp equipment, 
 and arms, and the arrangements for the joining of Eeservists 
 were througliout defective. Again, the whole Eeserve had been 
 left totally untrained from the day the men left the colours ; 
 and having in view the fact that all leading authorities in 
 Europe had, times without number, told us that the efticiency
 
 26 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 of an Army depended on drill, discipline, and shooting, what 
 could be expected from a system which relied in great part for 
 the safety of the country on a Eeserve, the members of which 
 were undisciplined, undrilled, and unpractised in shooting for 
 periods ranging from nine years in the Guards to five years in 
 the case of the Line ? 
 
 On the day of mobilisation not a single regiment in the 
 United Kingdom was ready to move forward to the front as it 
 stood on parade ! Not an officer, not a man, was prepared. 
 England had calmly slept for years, while military reforms had 
 been effected in every other European country. Now she had 
 been suddenly and rudely awakened ! 
 
 Everywhere it was commented upon that no practical 
 peace trial of the mobilisation scheme had ever been made. 
 Little wonder was there, then, that incomplete details 
 hampered rapid movements, or that the carrying out of the 
 definite and distinct programme was prevented by gaps 
 occurring which could not be discovered until the working of 
 the system had been tested by actual experiment. 
 
 It was this past apathy of the authorities, amounting to 
 little less than criminal negligence, that formed the text of the 
 vehement outpourings of Anarchists, Socialists, and " No War " 
 partisans. A practical test of the efficiency of the scheme to 
 concentrate our forces should have taken place even at the 
 risk of public expenditure, instead of making the experiment 
 when the enemy were actually at our doors. 
 
 Another anomaly which, in the opinion of the public, ought 
 long ago to have been removed, was the fact that the billeting 
 of troops on the march on the inhabitants of the United 
 Kingdom, other than owners of hotels, inns, livery stables, and 
 public-houses, is illegal, while troops when not on the march 
 cannot be billeted at all ! At many points of concentration 
 this absurd and antiquated regulation, laid down by the Army 
 Act in 1881, was severely felt. Public buildings, churches, 
 and schools had to be hired for the accommodation of the 
 troops, and those others who could not find private persons 
 hospitable enough to take them in were compelled to bivouac
 
 Arming for the Struggle 27 
 
 wliere tliey could. Of tents they liad scarcely any, ami many 
 re.^iments were thus kept homeless and badly fed several days 
 before moving forward ! 
 
 Was there any wonder, tlien, that some men should lose 
 heart ? Did not such defects portend — nay, invite disaster ? 
 
 Strange though it may seem, Geoffrey Engleheart was one 
 of but two persons in lilngland who had on that Saturday 
 anticipated this sudden Declaration of War. 
 
 Through the hot night, without heed of the wild turbulence 
 outside, regardless of the songs of patriots, of gleeful shouts of 
 Anarchists, that, mingling into a dull roar, penetrated the 
 heavy curtains before the window of his room, he sat with 
 brows knit and gaze transfixed. 
 
 Words now and then escaped his compressed lips. They 
 were low and ominous ; utterances of blank despair.
 
 CHAPTEE IV. 
 
 THE SPY. 
 
 OUNT VON BEILSTEIN was a polished cosmo- 
 politan. He was in many ways a very 
 remarkable man. 
 
 In London society he was as popular as he 
 had previously been in Paris and in Berlin. 
 Well-preserved and military-looking, he re- 
 tained the vigour, high spirits, and spruce step of youth, spent 
 his money freely, and led the almost idyllic life of a careless 
 bachelor in the Albany. 
 
 Since his partnership with Sir Joseph Vayue, the well- 
 known shipowner, father of Geoffrey's j^a^zc^e, he had taken up a 
 prominent position in commercial circles, was a member of the 
 London Chamber of Commerce, took an active part in the 
 various deliberations of that body, and in the City was con- 
 sidered a man of considerable importance. 
 
 How we of the world, however shrewd, are deceived by 
 outward appearances ! 
 
 Of the millions in London there were but two men who 
 knew the truth ; who were aware of the actual position held by 
 this German landed proprietor. Indeed, the Count's friends 
 little dreamed that under the outward cloak of careless ease 
 induced by wealth there was a mind endowed with a cunning 
 that was extraordinary, and an ingenuity that was marvellous. 
 Truth to tell, Karl von Beilstein, who posed as the owner of 
 the great Beilstein estates, extending along the beautiful valley 
 
 28
 
 'COUNT VOX LKILSTEIN WAS A SPY ! "
 
 The Spy 29 
 
 of the Moselle, between Alf and Cochem, was not an aristocrat 
 at all, and possessed no estate more tangible than the pro- 
 verbial chateau in Spain. 
 
 Count von Beilstein was a sj)y ! 
 
 His life had been a strangely varied one ; few men perhaps 
 had seen more of the world. His biograjihy was recorded in 
 certain police registers. Born in the Jews' quarter at Frank- 
 fort, he had, at an early a,g;e, turned adventurer, and for some 
 years was well known at Monte Carlo as a successful gamester. 
 But the Fickle Goddess at last forsook him, and under another 
 name he started a bogus loan office in Brussels. This, how- 
 ever, did not last long, for the police one night made a raid on 
 the place, only to discover that Monsieur had flown. An 
 extensive robbery of diamonds in Amsterdam, a theft of bonds 
 while in transit between Hanover and Berlin, and the forgery 
 of a large quantity of Kussian rouble notes, were events which 
 followed in quick succession, and in each of them the police 
 detected the adroit hand of the man who now called himself 
 the Count von Beilstein. At last, by sheer ill-luck, he fell 
 into the grip of the law. 
 
 He was in St. Petersburg, where he had opened an oifice in 
 the Bolshaia, and started as a diamond dealer. After a few 
 genuine transactions he obtained possession of gems worth 
 nearly £20,000, and decamped. 
 
 l]ut the Russian police were quickly at his heels, and he 
 was arrested in Eiga, being subsequently tried and condemned 
 by the Assize Court at St. Petersburg to twelve years' exile 
 in Siberia. In chains, with a convoy of convicts he crossed 
 the Urals, and tramped for weeks on the snow-covered Siberian 
 Post Road. 
 
 His name still appears on the register at the forwarding 
 prison of Tomsk, with a note stating that he was sent on to the 
 silver mines of Nertchinsk, the most dreaded in Asiatic Russia. 
 
 Yet, strangely enough, within twelve months of his sentence 
 he appeared at Royat-les-Bains, in Auvergne, posing as a 
 Count, and living expensively at one of the best hotels. 
 
 Tliere was a reason for all this. The Russian Government,
 
 ;o The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 when he was sentenced, were well aware of his perfect training 
 as a cosmopolitan adventurer, of his acquaintance with persons 
 of rank, and of his cool unscrupulousness. Hence it was that 
 one night while on the march along the Great Post Road to 
 that bourne whence few convicts return, it was hinted to him 
 by the captain of Cossacks, that he might obtain his liberty, 
 and a good income in addition, if he consented to become a 
 secret agent of the Tsar. 
 
 The authorities desired him to perform a special duty ; 
 would he consent ? He could exchange a life of heavy toil in 
 the Nertchinsk mines for one of comparative idleness and ease. 
 The offer was tempting, and he accepted. 
 
 That same night it was announced to his fellow-convicts 
 that the Tsar had pardoned him ; his leg-fetters were thereupon 
 struck off, and he started upon his return to St. Petersburg to 
 receive instructions as to the delicate mission he was to perform. 
 
 It was then, for the first time, that he became the Count 
 von Beilstein, and his subsequent actions all betrayed the most 
 remarkable daring, forethought, and tact. With one object in 
 view he exercised an amount of patience that was almost 
 incredible. One or two minor missions were entrusted to him 
 by his official taskmasters on the banks of the Neva, and in 
 each he acquitted himself satisfactorily. Apparently he was a 
 thoroughly patriotic subject of the Kaiser, with tastes strongly 
 anti-Muscovite, and after his partnership with Sir Joseph 
 Vayne he resided in London, and mixed a good deal with 
 military men, because he had, he said, held a commission in a 
 Hussar regiment in the Fatherland, and took the liveliest 
 interest in all military matters. 
 
 Little did those officers dream that the information he 
 gained about improvements in England's defences was for- 
 warded in regular and carefully-written reports to the Prussian 
 War Office, or that tlie Tsar's messenger who carried weekly 
 despatches between tlie Eussian Ambassador in London and his 
 Government frequently took with him a packet containing 
 plans and tracings which bore marginal notes in the angular 
 handwriting of the popular Count von Beilstein !
 
 The Spy 31 
 
 Early in the morning of this memorable day when the 
 startling news of the Declaration of War had reached England, 
 a telegram had been handed to the Tsar's secret agent while he 
 was still in bed. 
 
 He read it through ; then stared thoughtfully up at the 
 ceiling. 
 
 The message, in code, from Berlin, stated that a draft of a 
 most important treaty between Germany and England had 
 been despatched from the German Foreign Office, and would 
 arrive in London that day. The message concluded with the 
 words, " It is imperative that we should have a copy of this 
 document, or at least a summary of its contents, immediately." 
 
 Although sent from Berlin, the Count was well aware that , 
 it was an order from the Foreign Minister in St. Petersburg, 
 the message being transmitted to Berlin first, and then retrans- 
 mitted to London, in order to avoid any suspicion that might 
 arise in the case of messages exchanged direct with the Eussian 
 capital. Having read the telegram through several times, he 
 whistled to himself, rose quickly, dressed, and breakfasted. 
 While having his meal, he gave some instructions to Grevel, 
 his valet, and sent him out upon an errand, at the same time 
 expressing his intention of waiting in until his return. 
 
 " Eemember," the Count said, as his man was going out, 
 "be careful to arouse no suspicion. Simply make your in- 
 quiries in the proper quarter, and come back immediately." 
 
 At half-past twelve o'clock, as Geoffrey Engleheart was 
 busy writing alone in his room at the Foreign Office, he was 
 interrupted by the opening of the door. 
 
 " Hulloa, dear boy ! I've found my way up here by myself. 
 Busy, as usual, I see ! " cried a cheery voice as the door slowly 
 opened, and Geoffrey looking up saw it was his friend the 
 Count, well groomed and fashionably attired in glossy silk hat, 
 perfect-fitting frock coat, and varnished boots. He called very 
 frequently upon Engleheart, and had long ago placed himself 
 on excellent terms with the messengers and doorkeepers, who 
 looked upon him as a most generous visitor. 
 
 " Oh, how are you ? " Engleheart exclaimed, rising and
 
 32 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 shaking his hand. " You must really forgive me, Count, but 1 
 quite forgot my appointment with you to-day." 
 
 " Oh, don't let me disturb you, pray. I'll have a glance at 
 the paper till you've finished," and casting himself into a chair 
 near the window he took up the Times and was soon absorbed 
 in it. 
 
 A quarter of an hour went by in silence, while Engleheart 
 wrote on, calmly unconscious that there was a small rent in 
 the newspaper the Count was reading, and that through it he 
 could plainly see each word of the treaty as it was transcribed 
 from the secret code and written down in plain English. 
 
 " Will you excuse me for ten minutes ? " Geoffrey exclaimed 
 presently. " The Cabinet Council is sitting, and I have to run 
 over to see Lord Stanbury for a moment. After I return I 
 must make another copy of this paper, and then I shall be free." 
 
 The Count, casting the newspaper wearily aside, glanced at 
 his watch. 
 
 " It's half-past one," he said. " You'll be another half-hour, 
 if not more. After all, I really think, old fellow, I'll go on 
 down to Hurlingham. I arranged to meet the Vaynes at two 
 o'clock." 
 
 " All right. I'll run down in a cab as soon as I can get 
 away," answered Engleheart. 
 
 "Good. Come on as soon as you can. Violet will be 
 expecting you, you know." 
 
 "Of course I shall," replied his unsuspicious friend, and 
 they shook hands, after which the Count put on his hat and 
 sauntered jauntily out. 
 
 In Parliament Street he jumped into his phaeton, but 
 instead of driving to Hurlingham gave his man orders to pro- 
 ceed with all speed to the General Post Office, St. Martin's-le- 
 Grand. Within half an hour from the time he had shaken the 
 hand of his unsuspecting friend, a message in code — to all 
 intents and purposes a commercial despatch — was on its way 
 to "Herr Brandt, 116 Friedrich Strasse, Berlin." 
 
 That message contained an exact transcript of the secret 
 treaty !
 
 34 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Almost immediately after the Count had left, Geoffrey 
 made a discovery. From the floor he picked up a small gold 
 pencil-case which he knew belonged to von Beilstein. 
 
 Engleheart was sorely puzzled to know why the Count 
 should require a pencil if not to write, and it momentarily 
 flashed across his mind that he might have copied portions of 
 the treaty. But the next minute he dismissed the suspicion as 
 ungrounded and preposterous, and placing the pencil in his 
 pocket went in search of Lord Stanbury. 
 
 It was only the statement he read in the People later, 
 alleging treachery at the Foreign Office, that recalled the in- 
 cident to his mind. Then the horrible truth dawned upon 
 him. He saw how probable it was that he had been tricked. 
 
 He knew that the mine was already laid ; that the only 
 thing that had prevented an explosion that would shake the 
 whole world had been the absence of definite knowledge as to 
 the exact terms of the alliance between England, Germany, 
 Italy, and Austria.
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 BOMBARDMENT OF NEWHAVEN. 
 
 T sea the night was dark and moonless. A thick 
 mist hung near the land. The Coastguard and 
 Artillery on our southern and eastern shores 
 spent a terribly anxious time, peering from 
 their points of vantage out into the cavernous 
 darkness where no light glimmered. The 
 Harbour Defence Flotilla was in readiness, and under tlie black 
 cliffs sentinels kept watch with every nerve strained to its 
 liighest tension, for the safety of England now depended upon 
 their alertness. The great waves crashed and roared, and the 
 mist, obscuring the light of vessels passing up and down the 
 Channel, seemed to grow more dense as the hours wore on. 
 
 In the midst of the feverish excitement that had spread 
 everywhere throughout the length and breadth of the land, the 
 troops were, a couple of hours after the receipt of tlie alarming 
 news in London, already being mobilised and on their way 
 south and east by special trains. Men, arms, ammunition, and 
 stores were hurried forward to repel attack, and in the War 
 Office and Admiralty, where the staffs had been suddenly called 
 together, the greatest activity prevailed. Messages had been 
 flashed along the wires in every direction giving orders to 
 mobilise and concentrate at certain points, and these instruc- 
 tions were being obeyed with that promptness for which British 
 soldiers and sailors are proverbial. 
 
 Yet the high officials at the War Office looked grave, 
 
 35
 
 2,6 The Great War in ^>ngland in 1897 
 
 and although affecting unconcern, now and then whispered 
 ominously together. I'hey knew that the situation was critical. 
 An immediate and adequate naval defence was just possible, 
 but the Channel Squadron was manceuvring off the Irish coast, 
 and both the Coastguard Squadron and the Steam Reserve at 
 the home ports were very weak. It was to our land army that 
 we had to trust, and they were divided in opinion as to the 
 possibility to mobilise a sufficient force in time to bar the 
 advance. 
 
 Military experts did not overlook the fact that to Dunkirk, 
 Calais, Boulogne, Dieppe, Fecamp, Havre, Honfleur, and Cher- 
 bourg ran excellent lines of railway, with ample rolling-stock, 
 all Government property, and at the beck and call of the 
 French War Minister. In the various ports there was adequate 
 wharf accommodation and plenty of steam tonnage. From 
 the brief official despatches received from Paris before the 
 cutting of the wires, it was apparent that the French War 
 Office had laid its plans with much forethought and cunning, 
 and had provided against any co7itrctemi)s. An army of 
 carpenters and engineers had been put to work in the ports 
 to alter the fittings of such of the merchant steamers as were 
 destined to convey horses, and these fittings, prepared before- 
 hand, were already in position. Four army corps had for 
 several weeks been manoeuvring in Normandy, so that the 
 Reservists had become accustomed to their work, and in excellent 
 condition for war; therefore these facts, coupled with the 
 strong support certain to be rendered by the warships of 
 the Tsar, led experts to regard the outlook as exceedingly 
 gloomy. 
 
 For years military and naval men had discussed the 
 possibilities of invasion, haggled over controversial points, but 
 had never arrived at any definite opinion as to the possibility 
 of an enemy's success. Now, however, the defences of the 
 country were to be tested. 
 
 Our great Empire was at stake. 
 
 The power of steam to cause rapid transit by land and sea 
 the uncertainty of the place of disembarkment, and the great
 
 Bombardment of Newhaven ^yl 
 
 weight of modern naval artillery, combined to render the 
 defences of En<;land on the coast itself most uncertain and 
 hazardous, and to cause grave doubts to arise in the minds of 
 those who at that critical moment were directing the forward 
 movement of the forces. 
 
 The British public, whose national patriotism found vent in 
 expressions of confidence in the Eegular Army and Volunteers, 
 were ignorant of the facts. They knew that two great Powers 
 had combined to crush our island stronghold, and were eager 
 that hostilities should commence in order that the enemy 
 should be taught a severe lesson for their presumption. 
 
 They, however, knew nothing of the plain truth, that 
 although the 1st Army Corps at Aldershot would be ready 
 to move at a few hours' notice, yet it was hopeless to try and 
 prevent the disembarkation of the French army corps along 
 a long line of unprotected coast by the action of a land force 
 only one-third of their strength. 
 
 So, by the water's edge, the lonely posts were kept through 
 the night by patient, keen-sighted sentinels, ready at any 
 moment to raise the alarm. But the dense mist that overhung 
 everything was tantalising, hiding friend and foe alike, and no 
 sound could be heard above the heavy roar of the waters as 
 they rolled in over the rocks. 
 
 London, infuriated, enthusiastic, turbulent, knew no sleep 
 that night. The excitement was at fever-heat. At last, soon 
 after daybreak, there came the first news of the enemy. A 
 number of warships had suddenly appeared through the fog off 
 the Sussex coast, and had lost no time in asserting their 
 presence and demanding a large sum from the Mayor of 
 Newhaven. 
 
 Tlie French first-class battery cruiser Tage, the Dhastation, 
 the Pothuan, the Ardhuse and others, finding that their demand 
 was unheeded, at once commenced shelling the town. Although 
 our Coastguard Squadron and first-class Steam Eeserve had 
 mobilised, yet thoy had received orders and sailed away no one 
 knew whither. The forts replied vigorously, but the fire of the 
 enemy in half an hour had wrought terrible havoc both in the^
 
 38 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 town and in the forts, where several of the guns had been 
 rendered useless and a number of men had been killed. 
 Hostilities had commenced. 
 
 Never during the century had such scenes been witnessed 
 in the streets of London as on that memorable Sunday 
 morning. The metropolis was thrilled. 
 
 Dawn was spreading, saffron tints were in the sky herald- 
 ing the sun's coming. Yet Eegent Street, Piccadilly, and the 
 Strand, usually entirely deserted at that hour on a Sabbath 
 morning, were crowded as if it were midday. 
 
 Everywhere there was excitement. Crowds waited in front 
 of the newspaper offices in Fleet Street, boys with strident 
 voices sold the latest editions of the papers, men continued 
 their snatches of patriotic ballads, while women were blanched 
 and scared, and children clung to their mothers' skirts timidly, 
 vaguely fearing an unknown terror. 
 
 The shadow of coming events was black and dim, like a 
 funeral pall. The fate of our Empire hung upon a thread. 
 
 Twenty-four hours ago England was smiling, content in the 
 confidence of its perfect safety and immunity from invasion ; 
 yet all the horrors of war had, with a startling, appalling 
 suddenness, fallen and bewildered it. The booming of French 
 cannon at Newhaven formed the last salute of many a brave 
 Briton who fell shattered and lifeless. 
 
 As the sun rose crimson from the grey misty sea, the work 
 of destruction increased in vigour. From the turrets of the 
 floating monsters smoke and flame poured forth in continuous 
 volume, while shot and shell were hurled into the town of 
 ISTewhaven, which, it was apparent, was the centre of the 
 enemy's attack, and where, owing to the deepening of the 
 harbour, troops could effect a landing under cover of the fire 
 from the ironclads. 
 
 Frightful havoc was wrought by the shells among the 
 houses of the little town, and one falling on board the Brighton 
 Kailway Company's mail steamer Paris, lying alongside the 
 station quay, set her on fire. In half an hour railway station 
 and quays were blazing furiously, while the flames leaped up
 
 Bombardment of Newiiaven 39 
 
 about the ship, wrapping themselves about the two white 
 funnels and darting from every porthole. 
 
 The Custom House o})posite quickly ignited, and the in- 
 flammable nature of its contents caused the fire to assume 
 enormous proportions. Meanwhile the bombardment was 
 kept up, the forts on shore still replying with regularity, 
 steadiness, and precision, and the armoured coast train of the 
 Ist Sussex Artillery Volunteers, under Captain Brigden, render- 
 ing excellent service. In one of the forts a man was standing 
 in front of a small camera-obscura, on the glass of which were 
 a number of mysterious marks. This glass reflected the water 
 and the ships ; and as he stood by calmly with his hand upon 
 a keyboard, he watched the reflections of the hostile vessels 
 moving backwards and forwards over the glass. Suddenly 
 he saw a French gunboat, after a series of smartly-executed 
 manoeuvres, steaming straight over one of the marks, and, 
 quick as lightning, his finger pressed one of the electric keys. 
 A terrific explosion followed, and a column of green water shot 
 up at the same instant. The gunboat Lavel had been suddenly 
 blown almost out of the water by a submarine mine ! Broken 
 portions of her black hull turned over and sank, and mangled 
 remains of what a second before had been a crew of enthusiastic 
 Frenchmen floated for a few moments on the surface, then dis- 
 appeared. Not a soul on board escaped. 
 
 Along the telegraph line from the signal-station on Beachy 
 Head news of the blowing up of the enemy's gunboat was 
 flashed to London, and when, an hour later, it appeared in 
 the newspapers, the people went half mad with excitement. 
 Alas, how they miscalculated the relative strength of the 
 opposing forces ! 
 
 They were unaware that our Channel Fleet, our Coastguard 
 Squadron, and our Keserve were steaming away, leaving our 
 southern shores practically unprotected !
 
 CHAPTEE VI. 
 
 LANDING OF THE FRENCH IN SUSSEX. 
 
 JHE Briton is, alas! too prone to underrate his 
 adversary. It is this national egotism, this 
 fatal over-confidence, that has led to most of 
 the reverses we have sustained in recent wars. 
 The popular belief that one Briton is as good 
 as half a dozen foreigners, is a fallacy which 
 ought to be at once expunged from the minds of every one. 
 The improved and altered conditions under which international 
 hostilities are carried on nowadays scarcely even admit of 
 a hand-to-hand encounter, and the engines of destruction 
 designed by other European Powers being quite as perfect as 
 our own, tact and cunning have now taken the place of pluck 
 and perseverance. The strong arm avails but little in modern 
 warfare ; strategy is everything. 
 
 Into Brighton, an hour after dawn, the enemy's vessels 
 were pouring volley after volley of deadly missiles. A party 
 had landed from the French flagship, and, summoning the 
 Mayor, had demanded a million pounds. This not being forth- 
 coming, they had commenced shelling the town. The fire was, 
 for the most part, directed against the long line of shops and 
 private residences in King's Poad and at Hove, and in half nn 
 hour over a hundred houses had been demolished. The palatial 
 Hotel Metropole stood a great gaunt ruin. Shells had carried 
 large portions of the noble building away, and a part of the 
 ruin had caught fire and was burning unchecked, threatening 
 
 40
 
 Landing of the French in Sussex 41 
 
 to consume the whole. Church steeples had been knocked 
 over like ninepins, and explosive missiles dropped in the centre 
 of the town every moment, sweeping the streets with deadly 
 effect. The enemy met with little or no opposition. Our 
 first line of defence, our Navy, was missing ! The Admiralty 
 were unaware of the whereabouts of three whole Fleets that 
 had mobilised, and the ships remaining in the Channel, exclusive 
 of the Harbour Defence Flotilla, were practically useless. 
 
 At Eastbourne, likewise, where a similar demand had been 
 made, shot fell thick as hail, and shells played fearful havoc 
 with the handsome boarding-houses and hotels that line the 
 sea front. From the redoubt, the Wish Tower, and a battery 
 on the higher ground towards Beachy Head, as well as a num- 
 ber of other hastily constructed earthworks, a reply was made 
 to the enemy's fire, and the guns in the antiquated martello 
 towers, placed at intervals along the beach, now and then 
 sent a shot towards the vessels. But such an attempt to keep 
 the great ironclads at bay was absurdly futile. One after 
 another shells from the monster guns of the Eussian ship 
 Pjotr Velikij, and the armoured cruisers Gerzorj Ediriburshij, 
 Krejser, and Najczdnik, ci'ashed into these out-of-date coast 
 defences, and effectually silenced them. In Eastbourne itself 
 the damage wrought was enormous. Every moment shells fell 
 and exploded in Terminus and Seaside Eoads, while the 
 aristocratic suburb of Upperton, built on the hill behind the 
 town, was exposed to and bore the full brunt of the fray. 
 The fine modern Queen Anne and Elizabethan residences were 
 soon mere heaps of burning debris. Every moment houses 
 fell, burying their occupants, and those people who rushed out 
 into the roads for safety were, for the most part, either over- 
 whelmed by debris, or had tlieir limbs shattered by flying 
 pieces of shell. 
 
 The situation was awful. The incessant thunder of cannon, 
 the screaming of shells whizzing through the air, to burst a 
 moment later and send a dozen or more persons to an untimely 
 grave, the crash of falling walls, the clouds of smoke and dust, 
 and the blazing of ignited wreckage, combined to produce a
 
 42 TfiE Great War in England in 1897 
 
 scene more terrible than any witnessed in England during the 
 present century. 
 
 And all this was the outcome of one man's indiscretion 
 and the cunning duplicity of two others ! 
 
 At high noon Newhaven fell into the hands of the enemy. 
 
 The attack had been so entirely unexpected that the troops 
 mobilised and sent there had arrived too late. The town was 
 being sacked, and the harbour was in the possession of the 
 French, who were landing their forces in great numbers. 
 From Dieppe and Havre transports were arriving, and dis- 
 charging their freights of fighting men and guns under cover 
 of the tire from the French warships lying close in land. 
 
 Notwithstanding all the steps taken during the last twenty 
 years to improve the condition of our forces on land and sea, this 
 outbreak of hostilities found us far from being in a state of 
 preparedness for war. England, strangely enough, has never 
 yet fully realised that the conditions of war have entirely 
 changed. In days gone by, when troops and convoys could 
 move but slowly, the difficulty of providing for armies engaged 
 in operations necessarily limited their strength. It is now 
 quite different. Improved communications have given to 
 military operations astonishing rapidity, and the facilities 
 with which large masses of troops, guns, and stores can now 
 be transported to great distances has had the effect of pro- 
 portionately increasing numbers. As a result of this, with 
 the exception of our own island, Europe was armed to the 
 teeth. Yet a mobilisation arrangement that was faulty and 
 not clearly understood by officers or men, was tlie cause of 
 the enemy being allowed to land. It is remarkable that the 
 military authorities had not acted upon the one principle 
 admitted on every side, namely, that the only effective defence 
 consists of attack. The attack, to succeed, should have been 
 sudden and opportune, and the Army should have been so 
 organised that on the occurrence of war a force of adequate 
 strength would have been at once available. 
 
 In a word, we missed our chance to secure this inestimable 
 advantage afforded by the power of striking the first blow.
 
 Landing of the French in Sussex 
 
 There was an old and true saying, tliat " England's best 
 bulwarks were her wooden walls." They are no longer wooden, 
 but it still remains an admitted fact that England's strongest 
 bulwarks should be her Navy, and that any other nation may 
 be possessed of an equally good one ; also that our best bulwark 
 should be equal to, or approach, the lighting power of the 
 bulwarks owned by any two possible hostile nations. 
 
 To be strong is to stave off war ; to be weak is to invite 
 attack. It was our policy of laissezfaire, a weak Navy and an 
 Army bound up with red tape, that caused this disastrous 
 invasion of England. Had our Fleet been sufficient for its work, 
 invasion would have remained a threat, and nothing more.' 
 Our Navy was not only our first, but our last line of defence 
 from an Imperial point of view ; for, as a writer in the Army 
 and Navy Gazette pointed out in 1893, it was equally manifest 
 and unquestionable that without land forces to act as the 
 spearhead to the Navy's over-sea shaft, the offensive tactics so 
 essential to a thorough statesmanlike defensive policy could 
 not be carried out. Again, the mobility and efficiency of our 
 Eegular Army should have been such that the victory of our 
 Fleet could be speedily and vigorously followed by decisive 
 blows on the enemy's territory. 
 
 Already the news of the landing of the enemy had — besides 
 causing a thrill such as had never before been known in our 
 '_' tight little island "—produced its effect upon the price of food 
 in London as elsewhere. In England we had only five days' 
 bread-stuffs, and as the majority of our supplies came from 
 Russia the price of bread trebled within twelve hours, and the 
 ordinary necessaries of life Avere proportionately dearer. 
 
 But the dice had been thrown, and the sixes lay with 
 MolocLu
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 BOMB OUTrAGES IN LONDON 
 
 X that never-to-be-forgotten Sunday, scenes were 
 witnessed in the metropolis which were of the 
 most disgraceful character. The teeming city, 
 from dawn till midnight, was in a feverish 
 turmoil, the throngs in its streets discussing 
 the probable turn of affairs, singing patriotic 
 songs, and giving vent to utterances of heroic intentions inter- 
 spersed with much horse play. 
 
 In Trafalgar Square, the hub of London, a mass meeting of 
 Anarchists and Socialists was held, at which the Government 
 and military authorities were loudly denounced for what was 
 termed their criminal apathy to tlie interests and welfare of 
 the nation. The Government, it was contended, had betrayed 
 the country by allowing the secret of the German alliance to 
 fall into the hands of its enemies, and the Ministers, adjudged 
 unworthy the confidence of the nation, were by the resolutions 
 adopted called upon to resign immediately. The crisis was an 
 excuse for Anarchism to vent its grievances against law and 
 order, and, unshackled, it had spread with rapidity through 
 the length and breadth of the land. In "The Square" the 
 scarlet flag and the Cap of Liberty were everywhere in 
 evidence, and, notwithstanding the presence of the police, the 
 leaders of Anarchy openly advocated outrage, incendiarism, 
 and murder. At length the police resolved to interfere, and 
 this was the signal for a terrible uprising. The huge mob,
 
 Bomb Outrages in London 45 
 
 which in the mellow sunset filled the great .Square and 
 blocked all its approaches, became a seething, surging mass 
 of struggling humanity. The attack by the police, who were 
 ordered to disperse them, only incensed them further against 
 the authorities, whom they blamed for the catastrophe that 
 had befallen our country. Angry and desperate they fought 
 with the police, using both revolvers and knives. 
 
 The scene was terrible. The scum of the metropolis had 
 congregated to wage war against their own compatriots whom 
 they classed among enemies, and for an hour in the precincts 
 of the Square the struggle was for life. Dozens of constables 
 were shot dead, hundreds of Anarchists and Socialists received 
 wounds from batons, many succumbing to their injuries, or 
 being trampled to death by the dense mob. It was a repeti- 
 tion of that historic day known as " Bloody Sunday," only the 
 fight was more desperate and the consequences far worse, and 
 such as would disgrace any civilised city. 
 
 Before sundown the police had heen vanquished ; and as no 
 soldiers could be spared. Anarchism ran riot in the Strand, 
 Pall Mall, St. Martin's Lane, Nortliumberland Avenue, and 
 Parliament Street. Pale, determined men, with faces covered 
 with blood, and others with their clothes in shreds, shouted 
 lioarse cries of victory, as, headed by a torn red flag, they 
 rushed into Pall Mall and commenced breaking down the 
 shutters of shops and looting them. Men were knocked down 
 and murdered, and the rioters, freed from all restraint, com- 
 menced sacking all establishments where it was expected spoil 
 could be obtained. At one bank in Pall Mall they succeeded, 
 after some difficulty, in breaking open the strong room with 
 explosives, and some forty or fifty of the rebels with eager 
 greediness shared the gold and notes they stole. 
 
 At the Strand corner of the Square a squad of police was being 
 formed, in order to co-operate with some reinforcements which 
 were arriving, when suddenly there was a terrific explosion. 
 
 A bomb filled with picric acid had been thrown by an 
 Anarchist, and when the smoke cleared, the shattered remains 
 of thirty-four constables lay strewn upon the roadway !
 
 46 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 This was but the first of a series of dastardly outrages. 
 The advice of the Anarchist leaders in their infiamniatory 
 speeches had been acted upon, and in half an hour a number 
 of bomb explosions had occurred in the vicinity, each doing 
 enormous damage, and killing numbers of innocent persons. 
 After the jDetard had been thrown in Trafalgar Square a loud 
 explosion was almost immediately afterwards heard in Parlia- 
 ment Street, and it was soon known that a too successful 
 attempt had been made to blow up the Premier's official 
 residence in Downing Street. The programme of the outrages 
 had apparently been organised, for almost before the truth was 
 known another even more disastrous explosion occurred in the 
 vestibule of the War Office in Pall Mall, which wrecked the 
 lower part of the building, and blew to atoms the sentry on 
 duty, and killed a number of clerks who were busy at their 
 important duties in the apartments on the ground floor. 
 
 Through Pall Mall and along Whitehall the mob ran, 
 crying " Down with the Government ! Kill the traitors ! 
 Kill them ! " About three thousand of the more lawless, 
 having looted a number of shops, rushed to the Houses of 
 Parliament, arriving there just in time to witness the frightful 
 havoc caused by the explosion of two terribly powerful bombs 
 that had been placed in St. Stephen's Hall and in Westminster 
 Abbey. 
 
 A section of the exultant rioters had gained access to the 
 National Gallery, where they carried on ruthless destruction 
 among the priceless paintings there. Dozens of beautiful 
 works were slashed with knives, others were torn down, and 
 many, cut from their frames, were flung to the howling crowd 
 outside. Suddenly some one screamed, " What do we want with 
 Art ? Burn down the useless palace ! Burn it ! Burn it ! " 
 
 This cry was taken up by thousands of throats, and on 
 every hand the rebels inside the building were urged to set fire 
 to it. Intoxicated with success, maddened by anger at the 
 action of the police, and confident that they had gained a 
 signal victory over the law, they piled together a number of 
 historic paintings in one of the rooms, and then ignited them
 
 Bomb Outragi£S in London 47 
 
 The flames leaped to the ceiling, spread to the woodwork, and 
 thence, with a])palling rapidity, to the other apartments. The 
 windows cracked, and clouds of snujke and tongues of fire 
 belched forth from them. 
 
 It had now grown dusk. The furious, demoniacal rabble 
 surging in the Square set up loud, prolonged cheering when 
 they saw the long dark building burning. In delight they 
 paused in their work of destruction, watching the flames 
 growing brighter as they burst through the roof, licking the 
 central dome; and while the timber crackled and the fire roared, 
 casting a lurid glare u])on the tall buildings round and lighting 
 up the imposing facade of the Grand Hotel, they cheered 
 vociferously and sang the " Marseillaise " until the smoke half 
 choked them and their throats grew hoarse. 
 ._ These denizens of the slums, these criminal crusaders against 
 the law, were not yet satiated by their wild reckless orgies. 
 Unchecked, they had run riot up and down the Strand, and 
 there was scarcely a man among them who had not in his 
 pocket some of the spoils from jewellers' or from banks. 
 In the glare of the flames the white bloodstained faces wore a 
 determined expression- as they stood collecting their energies 
 for some other atrocious outrage against their so-called enemies, 
 the rich. 
 
 At the first menace of excesses, dwellers in the locality had 
 left their houses and fled headlong for safety to other parts of 
 the city. The majority escaped, but many fell into the hands 
 of the rioters, and were treated with scant humanity. Men and 
 women were struck down and robbed, even strangled or shot if 
 they resisted. The scene was friglitful — a terrible realisation 
 of Anarchist prophecies that had rendered the authorities 
 absolutely helpless. On the one hand, an enemy had landed on 
 our shores with every chance of a successful march to London, 
 while on the other the revolutionary spirit had broken out 
 unmistakably among the criminal class, and lawlessness and 
 murder were everyv/here rife. 
 
 The homes of the people were threatened by double disaster 
 —by the attack of both enemy and '■ friend." The terrible
 
 48 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 bomb outrages and their appalling results had completely 
 disorganised the police, and although reinforcements had been 
 telegraphed for from every division in London, the number ot 
 men mustered at Scotland Yard was not yet sufficient to deal 
 effectually with the irate and rapidly increasing mob. 
 
 As evening wore on the scenes in the streets around the 
 Square were terrible. Pall Mall was congested by the angry 
 UKjb who were wrecking the clubs, when suddenly the exultant 
 cries were succeeded by terrified shrieks mingled with fierce 
 oaths. Each man fought with his neighbour, and many men 
 and women, cruslied against iron railings, stood half suffocated 
 and helpless. The National Gallery was burning fiercely, flames 
 from the great burning pile shot high in the air, illuminat- 
 ing everything with their flood of crimson light, and the wind, 
 blowing down the crowded thoroughfare, carried smoke, sparks, 
 and heat with it. 
 
 Distant shrieks were heard in the direction of the Square, 
 and suddenly the crowd surged wildly forward. Gaol-birds 
 from the purlieus of Drury Lane robbed those who had valuables 
 or money upon them, and committed brutal assaults upon the 
 unprotected. A moment later, however; there was a flash, and 
 the deafening sound of firearms at close quarters was followed 
 by the horrified shrieks of the yelling mob. Again and again 
 the sound was repeated. Around them bullets whistled, and 
 men and women fell forward dead and wounded with terrible 
 curses upon their lips. 
 
 The 10th Hussars had just arrived from Hounslow, and 
 having received hurried orders to clear away the rioters, were 
 shooting them down like dogs, without mercy. On every hand 
 cries of agony and despair rose above the tumult. Then a 
 silence followeil, for the street was thickly strewn with corpses.
 
 CHAPTEE VIII 
 
 FATEFUL DAYS FOK THE OLD FLAG. 
 
 CLO UDY moonless night, with a gusty wind which 
 now and then swept the tops of the forest trees, 
 causing the leaves to surge like a summer sea. 
 Withered branches creaked and groaned, 
 and a dog howled dismally down in Mimwell 
 village, half a mile away. Leaning with his 
 back against the gnarled trunk of a giant oak on the 
 edge of the forest, his ears alert for the sliglitest sound, his 
 hand upon his loaded magazine rifle, Geoffrey Engleheart stood 
 on outpost duty. Dressed in a rough shooting suit, with a deer- 
 stalker hat and an improvised kit strapped upon his back, he 
 was half hidden by the tall bracken. Standing motionless in 
 the deep shadowy with his eyes fixed upon the wide stretch of 
 sloping meadows, he waited, ready, at the slightest appearance 
 of the enemy's scouts, to raise the alarm and call to arms those 
 who were sleeping in the forest after their day's mai ch. 
 
 The City Civilian Volunteer Battalion which he had joined 
 M'as on its way to take part in the conflict, which every one 
 knew would be desperate. Under the command of Major 
 Mansford, an experienced elderly officer who had long since 
 I'ctired from the Lancashire Eegiment, biit who had at once 
 volunteered to lead the battalion of young patriots, they had 
 left London by train for Maidstone, whence they marched by 
 way of Linton, Marden, and Goudhurst to Frith Wood, where 
 they had bivouacked ibr the night on the Sussex border.
 
 50 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 It was known that Eussian scouts had succeeded in getting 
 as far as Wadhurst, and it was expected that one of the Frencli 
 reconnoitring parties must, in their circuitous survey, pass the 
 border of the wood on their way back to their own lines. Up 
 to the present they had been practically unmolested. The 
 .British army was now mobilised, and Kent, Sussex, and Hamp- 
 ' shire were overrun with soldiers. Every household gave men 
 accommodation voluntarily, every hostelry, from the aristo- 
 cratic hotels of the watering-places to the unassuming Eed 
 Lions of the villages, was full of Britain's brave defenders. 
 The echoes of old-world village streets of thatched houses with 
 quaint galiles were awakened night and day by the rumbling 
 of heavy artillery, the shouts of the drivers as they urged 
 along their teams, and the rattle of ammunition carts and of 
 ambulance waggons, while on every high road leading south 
 battalions were on the march, and eager to come within fight- 
 ing range of the audacious foreigners. 
 
 At first the peaceful people of the villages gazed, wondered, 
 and admired, thinking some manoeuvres were about to take 
 place— for military manoeuvres always improve village trade. 
 But they were very quickly disillusioned. When they knew the 
 truth — that the enemy was actually at their doors, that the 
 grey-coated masses of the Eussian legions were lying like packs 
 of wolves in the undulating country between Heathfield, Etch- 
 ingham, and the sea — they were panic-stricken and appalled. 
 They watched the stream of redcoats passing their doors, 
 cheering them, while those who were their guests were treated 
 to the best fare their hosts could provide. 
 
 Tommy Atkins was now the idol of the hour. 
 Apparently the enemy, having established themselves, were 
 by no means anxious to advance with undue haste. Having 
 landed, they were, it was ascertained, awaiting the arrival of 
 further reinforcements and armaments from both Powers ; but 
 nothing definite was known of this, except some meagre details 
 that imd filtered through the American cables, all direct tele- 
 graphic communication with the Continent having now been 
 cut off.
 
 Fateful Days for the Old Flag 51 
 
 Alas ! Molocli had grinned. He had sharpened his sickle 
 for the terrible carnage that was to spread through Albion's 
 peaceful land. 
 
 Terrible was the panic that the invasion had produced in 
 the North. 
 
 Food had risen to exorbitant prices. In the great manu- 
 facturing centres the toiling millions were already feeling 
 the pinch of starvation, for with bread at ninepence a small 
 loaf, meat at a prohibitive figure, and the factories stopped, 
 they were compelled to remain with empty stomachs and idle 
 hands. 
 
 Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and the 
 larger towns presented a gloomy, sorry aspect. Business was 
 suspended, the majority of the shops were closed, the banks 
 barred and bolted, and the only establishments where any 
 trade flourished were the taverns and music halls. These 
 were crowded. Drink flowed, gold jingled, and the laughter 
 at wild jest or the thunder of applause which greeted dancing 
 girls and comic vocalists was still as hearty as of old. Every- 
 where there was a sordid craving for amusement which was a 
 reflex of the war fever. The people made merry, for ere long 
 they might be cut down by a foeman's steel. 
 
 Eestless impatience thrilled the community from castle to 
 cottage, intensified by the vain clamourings of Anarchist 
 mobs in the greater towns. As in London, these shock-headed 
 agitators held high revel, protesting against everything and 
 everybody — now railing, now threatening, but always muster- 
 ing converts to their harebrained doctrines. In Manchester 
 they were particularly strong. A number of serious riots had 
 occurred in Deansgate and in Market Street. The mob 
 wrecked the Queen's Hotel, smashed numbers of windows in 
 Lewis's great emporium, looted the Guardian office, and set fire 
 to the Town Hall. A portion of the latter only was burned, 
 the fire brigade managing to subdue the flames before any very 
 serious damage was occasioned. Although the police made 
 hundreds of arrests, and the stipendiary sat from early morii- 
 ing until late at night, Anarchist demonstrations were held
 
 52 The Great W'ar in England in 1897 
 
 every evening in the city and suburbs, always resulting in 
 pillage, incendiarism, and not nnfrequently in murder. In 
 grey, money-making Stockport, in grimy Salford, in smoky 
 Pendleton, and even in aristocratic Eccles, these demonstrations 
 were held, and the self-styled " soldiers of the social revolution" 
 marched over the granite roads, headed by a dirty scarlet flag, 
 hounding down the Government, and crying shame upon them 
 for the apathy with whicli they had regarded the presence of 
 the bearded Caucasian Tcherkesses of the White Tsar. 
 
 The kingdom was in wild turmoil, for horror heaped 
 upon horror. Outrages that commenced in London were re- 
 peated with appalling frequency in the great towns in the 
 provinces. An attempt had been made to assassinate the 
 Premier while speaking in the Town Hall, Birmingham, the 
 bomb which was thrown having killed two hard-working 
 reporters who were writing near ; but the Prime Minister, 
 who seemed to lead a charmed existence, escaped without a 
 scratch. 
 
 In Liverpool, where feeling against the War Office ran 
 high, there were several explosions, two of which occurred in 
 Bold Street, and were attended by loss of life, while a number 
 of incendiary fires occurred at the docks. At Bradford the 
 Town Hall was blown up, and the troops were compelled to 
 Hre on a huge mob of rioters, who, having assembled at 
 Manningham, were advancing to loot the town. 
 
 The cavalry barracks at York was the scene of a terrific 
 explosion, which killed three sentries and maimed twenty 
 other soldiers ; while at Warwick Assizes, during the hearing 
 of a mnrder trial, some unknown scoundrel threw a petard at 
 the judge, killing him instantly on the bench. 
 
 These, however, were but few instances of the wild law- 
 lessness and terrible anarchy that prevailed in Britain, for only 
 the most flagrant cases of outrage were reported in the news- 
 papers, their columns being filled with the latest intelligence 
 from the seat of war. 
 
 It must be said that over the border the people were more 
 law-abiding. The Scotch, too canny to listen to the fier}"-
 
 Fateful Days for the Old Flag 
 
 53 
 
 declamations of hoarse, and sliabliy agitators, preferred to trust 
 to British phick and the strong arm of their brawny Hio]i- 
 landers. In Caledonia the seeds of Anarchy fell on stony 
 ground. 
 
 In Xorthern and Midland towns, however, the excitement 
 increased hourly. It extended everywhere. From Ventnor 
 to the Pentlands, from Holyhead to the Humber, from Scilly 
 to the Nore, every man and every woman existed in fearful- 
 ness of the crash tiiat was impending. 
 
 It was now known throughout the breadth of our land- 
 that the Government policy was faulty, that War Office and 
 Admiralty organisation was a rotten make-believe, and, worst 
 of all, that what critics had long ago said as to the inadequacy 
 of our naval defence, even with the ships built under the 
 programme of 1894, had now, alas ! proved to be true. 
 
 The suspense was awful. Those who were now living in 
 the peaceful atmospheres of their homes, surrounded by neigh- 
 bours and friends m the centre of a great town, and feeling a 
 sense of security, might within a few days be shot down°by 
 French rifles, or mowed down brutally by gleaming Cossack 
 shnshkas. The advance of the enemy was expected daily, 
 hourly ; and the people in the North waited, staggered, breath- 
 less, and terrified. Men eagerly scanned the newspapers; 
 women pressed their children to their breasts. 
 
 In the mining districts the shock had not inspired the 
 same amount of fear as at the ports and in the manufacturing 
 centres. _ Possibly it was because work was still proceeding 
 in the pits, and constant work prevents men from becoming 
 restless, or troubling themselves about a nation's woes. Toilers 
 who worked below knew that foreign invaders had landed, and 
 that the Militia and Volunteers had been called out, but they 
 vaguely believed that, the seat of war being away down south 
 
 —a very long distance in the imagination of most of them 
 
 everything would be over before they could be called upon to 
 take part in the struggle. In any case coal and iron must be 
 got, they argued, and while they had woik they had little 
 time for uneasiness, Nevertheless, great nuniliers of stalwart
 
 54 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 young miners enrolled themselves in the local Volunteer corps, 
 and burned to avenge the affront to their country and their 
 sovereign. 
 
 Those were indeed fateful, ever-to-be-remeinbered days. 
 
 Amid this weary, anxious watching, this constant dread 
 
 of what might next occur, an item of news was circulated 
 
 which caused the greatest rejoicing everywhere. Intelligence 
 
 ; reached New York, by cable from France, that Germany had 
 
 j conibined with England against the Franco-Russian alliance, 
 
 [ that her vast army had been mobilised, and that already the 
 
 brave, well-drilled legions of the Emperor William had crossed 
 
 the Vosges, and passed the frontier into France. A sharp 
 
 battle had been fought near Givet, and that, as well as several 
 
 other French frontier towns which fell in 1870, were again in 
 
 the hands of the Germans. 
 
 How different were German methods to those of the 
 British ! 
 
 With a perfect scheme of attack, every detail of which had 
 been long thought out, and which worked without a hitch, the 
 Kaiser's i'orces were awaiting the word of command to march 
 onward — to Paris. For years — ever since they taught France 
 that severe lesson in the last disastrous war — it had been the 
 ambition of every German cavalryman to clink his spurs on 
 the asphalte of the Boulevards. Now they were actually on 
 their way towards their goal ! 
 
 The papers were full of these latest unexpected develop- 
 inents, the details of which, necessarily meagre owing to the 
 lack of direct communication, were eagerly discussed. It was 
 believed that Germany would, in addition to defending her 
 Polish frontier and attacking France, also send a naval squadron 
 from Kiel to England. 
 
 The Tsar's spy had been foiled, and Russia and France now 
 knew they liad made a false move ! Russia's rapid and decisive 
 movement was intended to prevent the signing of the secret 
 alliance, and to bar England and Germany from joining hands. 
 But happily the sly machinations of the Count von Beilstein, 
 the released convict and adventurer, had in a measure failed,
 
 Fateful Days for the Old Flag 55 
 
 for Germany had considered it diplomatic to throw iu her 
 fortune with Great Britain in this desperate encounter. 
 
 A feeling of thankfulness spread through the land. Never- 
 theless, it was plain that if Germany intended to wield the 
 double-handled sword of conquest in France, she would liave 
 few troo})S to spare to send to England. 
 
 But those dark days, full of agonising suspense, dragged 
 on slowly. The French well knew the imminent danger that 
 threatened their own country, yet they could not possibly 
 withdraw. Mad enthusiasts always ! 
 
 It must be war to the death, they decided. The conflict 
 could not be averted. So Britons unsheathed their steel, and 
 held themselves in readiness for a fierce and desperate fray. 
 
 The invasion had indeed been planned by our enemies with 
 marvellous forethought and cunning. There was treachery in 
 the Intelligence Department of the British Admiralty, foul 
 treachery which placed our country at the mercy of the 
 invader, and sacrificed thousands of lives. On the morning 
 following the sudden Declaration of War, the officer in charge 
 of the telegraph bureau at Whitehall, whose duty it had been 
 to send the telegrams ordering the naval mobilisation, was 
 found lying dead beside the telegraph instrument — stabbed to 
 the lieart ! Inquiries were made, and it was found that one 
 of the clerks, a young Frenchman who had been taken on 
 temporarily at a low salary, was missing. It was further 
 discovered that the murder had been committed hours before, 
 immediately the Mobilisation Orders had been sent; further, 
 that fictitious telegrams had been despatched cancelling them, 
 and ordering the Channel Fleet away to the Mediterranean, 
 the Coastguard Squadron to Land's End, and the first-class 
 Beserve ships to proceed to the North of Scotland in search of 
 the enemy! Thus, owing to these orders sent by the murderer, 
 England was left unprotected. 
 
 Immediately the truth was known efforts were made to 
 cancel the forged orders. But, alas ! it was too late. Our 
 Fleets had already sailed !
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 COUNT VON BEILSTEIN AT HOME. 
 
 ARL VON BEILSTEIN sat in his own com- 
 fortable saddlebag-chair, in his chambers in 
 the Albany, lazily twisting a cigarette. 
 
 On a table at his elbow was spread sheet 
 319 of the Ordnance Survey Map of England, 
 which embraced that part of Sussex where the 
 enemy were encamped. With red and blue pencils he had 
 been making mystic marks upon it, and had at last laid it aside 
 with a smile of satisfaction. 
 
 "She thought she had me in her power," he muttered 
 ominously to himself. " The wolf ' If she knew everything, 
 she could make me crave again at her feet for mercy. 
 Happily she is in ignorance; therefore that trip to a more 
 salubrious climate that I anticipated is for the present 
 postponed. I have silenced her, and am still master of the 
 situation — still the agent of the Tsar ! " Uttering a low 
 laugh, he gave his cigarette a final twist, and then regarded 
 it critically. 
 
 The door opened to admit his valet, Grevel. 
 "A message from the Embassy. The man is waiting," he 
 said. 
 
 His master opened the note which was handed to him, read 
 it with contracted brows, and said — 
 
 " Tell him that the matter shall be arranged as quickly as 
 possible." 
 
 56
 
 CoUxNT VON BeILSTEIN AT HoME 57 
 
 " Xotliiiig else ? ' 
 
 "Xotliing. I am leaving London, and shall not be back 
 for a week — perhaps longer." 
 
 With a slight yawn he rose and passed into his dressing- 
 room, while his servant went to deliver his message to the 
 man in waiting. The note had produced a marked effect upon 
 the spy. It was an order from his taskmasters in St. Peters- 
 burg. He knew it must be obeyed. Every moment was of 
 vital consequence in carrying out the very delicate mission 
 intrusted to him, a mission which it would require all his tact 
 and cunning to execute. 
 
 In a quarter of an hour he emerged into his sitting-room 
 again, so completely disguised that even his most intimate 
 acquaintances would have failed to recognise him. Attired in 
 rusty black, with clean shaven face and walking with a 
 scholarly stoop, he had transformed himself from the foppish 
 man-about-town to a needy country parson, whose cheap boots 
 were down at heel, and in the lappel of whose coat was displayed 
 a piece of worn and faded blue. 
 
 " Listen, Pierre," lie said to his man, who entered at his 
 summons. " While I am away keep your eyes and ears open. 
 If there is a shadow of suspicion in any quarter, burn all my 
 papers, send me warning through the Embassy, and clear out 
 yourself without delay. Should matters assume a really 
 dangerous aspect, you must get down to the Eussian lines, 
 where they will pass you through, and put you on board one 
 of our ships." 
 
 " Has the Ministry at Petersburg promised us protection at 
 last?" 
 
 " Yes ; we have nothing to fear. When tire game is up 
 among these lambs, we shall calmly go over to the other side 
 and witness the fun." 
 
 " In what direction are you now going ? " 
 
 " I don't know," replied the spy, as he unlocked a drawer 
 in a small cabinet in a niche by the fireplace and took from 
 it a long Circassian knife. Drawing the bright blade from its 
 leathern sheath, he felt its keen double edge with his fingers.
 
 ;8 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 It was like a razor. 
 
 " A desperate errand — eh ? " queried the valet, with a grin, 
 noticing how carefully the Count placed the murderous weapon 
 in his inner pocket. 
 
 " Yes," he answered. " Desperate. A word sometimes 
 means death." 
 
 And the simple rural vicar strode out and down the stairs, 
 leaving the crafty Pierre in wonderment. 
 
 " Bah ! " the latter exclaimed in disgust, when the receding 
 footsteps had died away. " So you vainly imagine, my dear 
 Karl, that you have your heel upon my neck, do you ? It is 
 good for me that you don't give me credit for being a little 
 more wideawake, otherwise you would see that you are raking 
 the chestnuts from the fire for me. Bien ! I am silent, docile, 
 obedient ; I merely wait for you to burn your fingers, then the 
 whole of the money will be mine to enjoy, while you will be in 
 the only land where the Tsar does not require secret agents. 
 Vain, avaricious fool ! You'll he in your grave ! " 
 
 Von Beilstein meanwhile sped along down the Hay market 
 and Pall Mall to Whitehall. The clock on the stone tower of 
 the Horse Guards showed it was one o'clock, and, with appar- 
 ently aimless purpose, he lounged about on the broad pave- 
 ment outside Old Scotland Yard, immediately opposite the 
 dark fa(jade of the Admiralty. His hawk's eye carefully 
 scrutinised every single person of the busy throng entering or 
 leaving the building. There was great activity at the naval 
 headquarters, and the courtyard was crowded with persons hurry- 
 ing in and out. Presently, after a short but vigilant watch, he 
 turned quickly so as to be unobserved, and moved slowly away. 
 The cause of this sudden manoeuvre was the appearance of 
 a well-dressed, dark-bearded man of about forty, having the 
 appearance of a naval officer in mufti, who emerged hastily 
 from the building with a handbag in his hand, and crossed the 
 courtyard to the kerb, where he stood looking up and down 
 the thoroughfare. 
 
 " My man ! " exclaimed von Beilstein, under his breath. 
 " He wants a cab. I wonder where he's going ? "
 
 Count von Bkilsteix at Home 59 
 
 Five minutes later the naval oflicer was in a hansom, 
 driving towards Westminster Bridge, while, at a little distance 
 behind, tlie Tsar's agent was following in another conveyance. 
 Once on the trail, the Count never left his quarry. Crossing 
 the bridge, they drove on rapidly througli the crowded, 
 turbulent streets of South London to tlie Ele])hant and Castle, 
 and thence down the Old Kent Eoad to the New Cross Station 
 of the South-Eastern llailway. 
 
 As a protest against the action of the Government, and in 
 order to prevent tlie enemy from establishing direct com- 
 munication with London in case of British reverses, the lines 
 from the metropolis to the south had been wrecked by the 
 Anarchists. On the Chatham and Dover llailway, I'enge 
 tunnel had been blown uj), on the Brighton line two bridges 
 near Croydon had been similarly treated, and on the South- 
 Eastern four bridges in Eotherhithe and Bermondsey had been 
 broken up and rendered impassable by dynamite, while at 
 Haysden, outside Tunbridge, the rails had also been torn up 
 for a considerable distance. Tlicrefore trallic to the south 
 from London termini had been suspended, and the few persons 
 travelling were compelled to take train at the stations in 
 the remoter southern suburbs. 
 
 As the unsuspecting officer stepped into the booking-office, 
 his attention was not attracted by the quiet and seedy clergy- 
 man who lounged near enough to overhear him purchase a 
 first-class ticket for Deal. When he had descended to the 
 platform the spy obtained a third-class ticket to the same 
 destination, and leisurely followed him. Travelling by the 
 same train, tliey were compelled to alight at Hciysden and 
 walk over the wrecked permanent way into Tunbridge, from 
 which place they journeyed to Deal, arriving there alDout six 
 o'clock. Throughout, it was apparent to the crafty watcher 
 that the man he was following was doing his utmost to escape 
 observation, and this surmise was strengthened by his actions 
 on arriving at the quaint old town, now half ruined ; for, 
 instead of going to a first-class hotel, he walked on until he 
 came to Middle Street, — a narrow little thoroughfare, redolent
 
 6o The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 of fish, running parallel with the sea, — and took up quarters at 
 the Mariners' Eest Inn. It was a low, old-fashioned little 
 place, with sanded Hoors, a smoke-blackened taproom, a rickety 
 time-mellowed bar, with a comfortable little parlour beyond. 
 
 In this latter room, used in common by the guests, on the 
 following day the visitor from London first met the shabby 
 parson from Canterbury. The man from the Admiralty 
 seemed in no mood for conversation; nevertheless, after a 
 preliminary chat upon the prospect of the invasion, they ex- 
 changed cards, and the vicar gradually became confidential. 
 With a pious air he related how he had been to Canterbury to 
 conduct a revival mission which had turned out marvellously 
 successful, crowds having to be turned away at every service, 
 and how he was now enjoying a week's vacation before return- 
 ing to his poor but extensive parish in Hertfordshire. 
 
 " I came to this inn, because I am bound to practise a most 
 rigid economy," he added. " I am charmed with it. One sees 
 so much character here in these rough toilers of the sea." 
 
 "Yes," replied his friend, whose card bore the words 
 " Commander Yerbery, E.N." " Being a sailor myself, I prefer 
 this homely little inn, with its fisher folk as customers, to a 
 more pretentious and less comfortable establishment." 
 
 " Are you remaining here long ? " asked his clerical friend. 
 
 " I — I really don't know," answered the officer hesitatingly. 
 " Possibly a day or so." 
 
 The spy did not pursue the subject further, but conducted 
 himself with an amiability which caused his fellow-traveller to 
 regard him as "a real good fellow for a parson." Together 
 they smoked the long clays of the hostelry, they sat in the tap- 
 room of an evening and conversed with the fishermen who 
 congregated there, and frequently strolled along by the shore 
 to Walmer, or through the fields to Cottingham Court Farm, 
 or Sholden. Constantly, however, Connnander Yerbery kept 
 his eyes seaward. Was he apprehensive lest Itussian ironclads 
 should return, and again bombard the little town ; or was he 
 expecting some mysterious signal from some ship in the 
 Downs ?
 
 CHAPTEE X. 
 
 A DEATH DRAUGHT. 
 
 N" several occasions the spy had, with artful 
 ingenuity, endeavoured to discover the object 
 of Commander Yerbery's sojourn, but upon 
 that point he preserved a silence that was 
 impenetrable. In tlieir wanderings about the 
 town they saw on every side the havoc caused 
 by the bombardment which had taken place three days pre- 
 viously. Whole rows of houses facing the sea had been carried 
 away by the enemy's sliells, and the once handsome church spire 
 was now a mere heap of smouldering debris. The barracks, 
 which had been one of the objects of attack, had suffered most 
 severely. Melinite had been projected into them, exploding 
 with devastating effect, and demolishing the buildings, which 
 fell like packs of cards. Afterwards, the enemy had sailed 
 away, apparently thinking the strategical position of the place 
 worthless. 
 
 And all this had been brought about by this despicable 
 villain — the man who had now wrapped himself in the cloak 
 of sanctity, and who, beaming with well-feigned good fellow- 
 ship, walked arm-in-arm with the man upon whom he was 
 keeping the most vigilant observation ! By niglit sleep 
 scarcely came to his eyes, but in his little room, with its clean 
 old-fashioned dimity blinds and hangings, he lay awake, — 
 scheming, planning, plotting, preparing for the master-stroke. 
 One morning, after they had been there three days, he 
 5
 
 62 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 stood alone in his bedroom with the door closed. From his 
 inner pocket he drew forth the keen Circassian blade that 
 reposed there, and gazed thoughtfully upon it. 
 
 "No," he muttered, suddenly rousing himself, as if a 
 thought had suddenly occurred to him. "He is strong. He 
 might shout, and then I should be caught like a rat in a trap." 
 
 Eeplacing the knife in his pocket, he took from his vest a 
 tiny phial he always carried ; then, after noiselessly locking 
 the door, he took from the same pocket a small cube of lump 
 sugar. Standing by the window he uncorked the little bottle, 
 and with steady hand allowed one single drop of the colour- 
 less liquid to escape and fall upon the sugar, which quickly 
 absorbed it, leaving a small darkened stain. This sugar he 
 placed in a locked drawer to dry, and, putting away the phial, 
 descended to join his companion. 
 
 That night they were sitting together in the private parlour 
 behind the bar, smoking and chatting. It was an old-fashioned, 
 smoke-begrimed room, with low oak ceiling and high wainscot, 
 — a room in which many a seafarer had found rest and comfort 
 after the toils and perils of the deep, a room in which many a 
 stirring tale of the sea has been related, and in which one of 
 our best-known nautical writers has gathered materials for 
 his stirring ocean romances. 
 
 Although next the bar, there is no entrance on that side, 
 neither is there any glass, therefore the apartment is entirely 
 secluded from the public portion of the inn. At midnight the 
 hearty Boniface and his wife and servant had retired, and the 
 place was silent, but the officer and his fellow-guest still sat 
 with their pipes. The parson, as became one who exhibited 
 the blue pledge of temperance in his coat, sipped his coffee, 
 while the other had whisky, lemon, and a small jug of hot 
 water beside him. The spy had been using the sugar, and the 
 basin was close to his hand. 
 
 His companion presently made a movement to reach it, 
 when the pleasant-spoken vicar took up the tongs quickly, 
 saying— 
 
 " Allow me to assist you. One lump ? "
 
 A Death Draught 63 
 
 " Yes, thanks," replied the other, holding his glass for the 
 small cube to be thrown in. Then he added tlie lemon, whisky, 
 and hot water. Beilstein, betraying no excitement, continued 
 the conversation, calmly refilled his pipe, and watched his 
 companion sip the deadly potion. 
 
 Karl von Beilstein had reduced poisoning to a fine art. 
 
 Not a muscle of his face contracted, though his keen eyes 
 never left the other's countenance. 
 
 They talked on, the Commander apparently unaffected by 
 the draught ; his friend smilingly complacent and confident. 
 
 Suddenly, without warning, the officer's face grew ashen 
 pale and serious. A violent tremor shook his stalwart frame. 
 
 "I — I feel very strange," he cried, with difficulty. "A 
 most curious sensation hos come over me — a sensation as if — 
 as if — ah ! heavens ! Help, help ! — I — I can't breathe ! " 
 
 The mild-mannered parson jumped to his feet, and stood 
 before his friend, watching the hideous contortions of his face. 
 
 " Assistance ! " his victim gasped, sinking inertly back in 
 the high-backed Windsor arm-chair. " Fetch me a doctor — 
 quick." 
 
 But the man addressed took no heed of the appeal He 
 stood calmly by, contemplating with satisfaction his villainous 
 work. 
 
 " Can't you see — I'm ill ? " the dying man cried in a feeble, 
 piteous voice. " My throat and head are burning. Give me 
 water — ivater ! " 
 
 Still the spy remained motionless. 
 
 " You — you refuse to assist me — you scoundrel ! Ah ! " he 
 cried hoarsely, in dismay. " Ah ! I see it all now ! God ! 
 You've poisoned me ! " 
 
 With a frantic effort he half-raised himself in his chair, but 
 fell back in a heap ; his arms hanging helplessly at his side. 
 His breath came and went in short hard gasps ; the death-rattle 
 was already in his throat, and with one long deep-drawn sigh 
 the last breath left the body, and the light gradually died out 
 of the agonised face. 
 
 Quick as thought the Count unbuttoned the dead man's
 
 64 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 coat, and searching his pockets took out a large white official 
 envelope bearing in the corner the blue stamp of the Admir- 
 alty. It was addressed to "Sir Michael Culme-Seymour, 
 Admiral commanding the Channel Squadron," and was 
 marked " Private." 
 
 " Good ! " ejaculated the spy, as he tore open the envelope. 
 " I was not mistaken, after all ! He was waiting until the 
 flagship came into the Downs to deliver it." 
 
 The envelope contained a letter accompanied by a chart of 
 the South Coast, upon which were certain marks at intervals 
 in red with minute directions, as well as a copy of the code of 
 secret signals in which some slight alterations had lately been 
 made. 
 
 " What fortune ! " cried the Count gleefully, after reading 
 the note. " Their plans and the secret of their signals, too, are 
 now ours ! The Embassy were correct in their surmise. 
 With these the French and Russian ships will be able to act 
 swiftly, and sweep the British from the sea. Now for London 
 as quickly as possible, for the information will be absolutely 
 invaluable." 
 
 Without a final glance at the corpse, huddled up in its 
 chair, he put on his hat, and stealing noiselessly from the 
 house, set out in the moonlight to walk swiftly by way 
 of Great Mongeham and Waldershare to Shepherd's Well 
 station, whence he could get by train to London. 
 
 The immense importance of these secret documents he had 
 not overrated. Their possession would enable the Russian 
 ships to decipher many of the hitherto mysterious British 
 signals. 
 
 The spy had accomplished his mission !
 
 chaptp:k XL 
 
 THE MASSACRE AT EASTBOURNE. 
 
 jOUIiLY the most alarming reports were being 
 received at the War Oifice, and at newspaper 
 ofiices throughout the country, of the rapidly- 
 increasing forces of the invaders, who were still 
 lauding in enormous numbers. Vague rumours 
 were also afloat of desperate encounters at sea 
 between our Coastguard Squadron that had returned and the 
 French and Eussian ironclads. 
 
 Nothing definite, however, was known. News travelled 
 slowly, and was always unreliable. 
 
 Mobilisation was being hurried forward with all possible 
 speed. Nevertheless, so sudden had been the descent of the 
 enemy, that Eastbourne, Newhaven, and Seaford had already 
 fallen into their hands. Into the half- wrecked town of Eastbourne 
 regiment after regiment of Eussian infantry had been poured 
 by the transports Samojed and Artdscik, while two regiments 
 of dragoons, one of Cossacks, and many machine-gun sections 
 had also been landed, in addition to a quantity of French 
 infantry from the other vessels. The streets of the usually 
 clean, well-ordered town were strewn M'ith the ddbris of fallen 
 houses and shops that had been wrecked by Eussian shells. 
 The Queen's Hotel at Splash Point, with its tiers of verandahs 
 and central spire, stood out a great gaunt blackened ruin. 
 
 Along Terminus Eoad the grey-coated hordes of the Great 
 White Tsar looted the shops, and showed no quarter to those
 
 66 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 who fell into their hands. The Grand Hotel, the Burlington, 
 the Cavendish, and others, were quickly transformed into 
 barracks, as well as the half-ruined Town Hall, and the Floral 
 Hall at Devonshire Park. 
 
 Robbery, outrage, and murder ran riot in the town, which 
 only a few days before had been a fashionable health resort, 
 crowded by aristocratic idlers. Hundreds of unoffending 
 persons had been killed by the merciless fire from the enemy's 
 battleships, and hundreds more were being shot down in the 
 streets for attempting a feeble resistance. The inhabitants, 
 surrounded on all sides by the enemy, were powerless. 
 
 The huge guns of the Pamyat Azova, the Imperator Nicolai I., 
 the Pjotr VcWcij, the Krejser, the Najczdnik, and others, had 
 belched forth their death-dealing missiles with an effect that 
 was appalling. 
 
 The thunder of cannon had ceased, but was now succeeded 
 by the sharp cracking of Eussian rifles, as those who, desperately 
 guarding their homes and their loved ones, and making a 
 stand against the invaders, were shot down like dogs. A 
 crowd of townspeople collected in the open space outside 
 the railway station, prepared to bar the advance of the 
 Eussians towards the Old Town and Upperton. Alas ! it was 
 a forlorn hope for an unarmed mob to attempt any such 
 resistance. 
 
 A Russian ofhcer suddenly shouted a word of command that 
 brought a company of infantry to the halt, facing the crowd. 
 Another word and a hundred rifles were discharged. Again 
 and again they flashed, and the volley was repeated until the 
 streets were covered with dead and dying, and the few who 
 were not struck turned and fled, leaving the invaders to 
 advance unopposed. 
 
 Horrible were the deeds committed that night. English 
 homes were desecrated, ruined, and burned. Babes were 
 murdered before the eyes of their parents, many being impaled 
 by gleaming Russian bayonets ; fathers were shot down in the 
 presence of their wives and children, and sons were treated in 
 a similar manner.
 
 LAXDINU OF KUStilAN.S, AND MASSACKE IX TEKMIXUS KUAD, EASTBOUEXE.
 
 The Massacre at Eastbourne 67 
 
 The massacre was frightful. Euin and desolation were on 
 every hand. 
 
 The soldiers of the Tsar, savage and inhuman, showed no 
 mercy to the weak and unprotected. They jeered and laughed 
 at piteous ajjpeal, and with fiendish brutality enjoyed the 
 destruction which everywhere they wrought. 
 
 Many a cold-blooded murder was committed, many a brave 
 Englishman fell beneath the heavy whirling sabres of Cir- 
 cassian Cossacks, the bayonets of French infantry, or the 
 deadly hail of machine guns. Battalion after battalion of the 
 enemy, fierce and ruthless, clambered on over the debris in 
 Termius Eoad, enthusiastic at finding their feet upon English 
 soil. The flames of the burning buildings in various parts 
 of the town illuminated the place with a bright red glare that 
 fell upon dark bearded faces, in every line of which was 
 marked determination and fierce hostility. Landing near 
 Langney Point, many of the battalions entered the town from 
 the east, destroying all the property they came across on their 
 line of advance, and, turning into Terminus Eoad, then con- 
 tinued tlirough Upperton and out upon the road leading to 
 Willingdon. 
 
 The French forces, who came ashore close to Holywell, on 
 the other side of the town, advanced direct over Warren Hill, 
 and struck due north towards Sheep Lands. 
 
 At about a mile from the point where the road from East- 
 dean crosses that to Jevington, the force encamped in a most 
 advantageous position upon Willingdon Hill, while the Eussians 
 who advanced direct over St. Anthony's Hill, and those who 
 marched through Eastbourne, united at a point on the Lewes 
 Eoad near Park Farm, and after occupying Willingdon village, 
 took up a position on the high ground that lies between it and 
 Jevington. 
 
 From a strategic point of view the positions of both forces 
 were carefully chosen. The commanding officers were evidently 
 well acquainted with the district, for while the French com- 
 manded Eastbourne and a wide stretch of the Downs, the 
 Eussians also had before them an extensive tract of country
 
 68 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 extending in the north to Polegate, in the west to the Fore 
 Down and Lillington, and in the east beyond Willingdon over 
 Pevensey Levels to the sea. 
 
 During the night powerful search-lights from the French 
 and Eussian ships swept the coast continually, illuminating the 
 surrounding hills and lending additional light to the ruined and 
 burning town. Before the sun rose, however, the majority of 
 the invading vessels had rounded Beaehy Head, and had 
 steamed away at full speed down Channel. 
 
 Daylight revealed the grim realities of war. It showed 
 
 ANCNIV 
 . . POtMT 
 
 MAP SHOWING THE POINTS WHERE THE INVADERS LANDED. 
 
 Eastbourne with its handsome buildings scorched and ruined, 
 its streets blocked by fallen walls, and trees which had once 
 formed shady boulevards torn up and broken, its shops looted, 
 its tall church steeples blown away, its railway station wrecked, 
 and its people massacred. Alas ! their life-blood was wet upon 
 the pavements. 
 
 The French and Eussian legions, ever increasing, covered the 
 liills. The heavy guns of the French artillery and the lighter 
 but more deadly machine guns of the Eussians had already been 
 placed in position, and were awaiting the order to move north 
 and commence the assault on London.
 
 The Massacre at Eastbourne 69 
 
 It was too late ! Nothing could now be done to improve the 
 rotten state of our defences. The invasion had begun, and 
 Britain, handicapped alike on land and on sea, must arm and 
 fight to the death. 
 
 By Tuesday night, three days after the Declaration of War, 
 two French and half a Piussian army corps, amounting to 90,000 
 officers and men, with 10,000 horses and 1500 guns and 
 waggons, had landed, in addition to which reinforcements con- 
 stantly arrived from the French Channel and Eussian Baltic 
 ports, until the number of the enemy on Fnglish soil was 
 estimated at over 300,000. 
 
 The overwhelming descent on our shores had been secretly 
 planned by the enemy with great forethought, every detail 
 having been most carefully arranged. The steam tonnage in 
 the French harbours was ample and to spare, for many of the 
 vessels, being British, had been at once seized on the outbreak 
 of hostilities. The sudden interruption of the mail and tele- 
 graphic services between the two countries left us in total 
 ignorance of the true state of affairs. Nevertheless, for weeks 
 an army of carpenters and engineers had been at work 
 preparing the necessary fittings, which were afterwards placed 
 in position on board the ships destined to convey horses and 
 men to England. 
 
 In order to deceive the other Powers, a large number of 
 military transport vessels had been fitted out at Brest for a 
 bogus expedition to Dahomey. These ships actually put to 
 sea on the day previous to the Declaration of War, and on 
 Saturday night, at the hour when the news reached Britain, 
 they had already embarked guns, horses, and waggons at the 
 Channel ports. Immediately after the Tsar's manifesto had 
 been issued the Prussian Volunteer Fleet was mobilised, and 
 transports which had long been held in readiness in the Baltic 
 harbours embarked men and guns, and, one after anothei-, 
 steamed away for England without the slightest confusion or 
 any undue haste.
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 
 IN THE eagle's TALONS. 
 
 "lANY British military and naval writers had 
 ridiculed the idea of a surprise invasion without 
 any attempt on the part of the enemy to gain 
 more than a partial and temporary control of 
 the Channel. Although an attack on territory 
 without having previously command of the sea 
 had generally been foredoomed to failure, it had been long ago 
 suggested by certain military officers in the course of lectures 
 at the United Service Institution, that under certain conditions 
 such invasion was possible, and that France might ere long 
 be ruled by some ambitious soldier who might be tempted to 
 try a sudden dash on le j)erfide Albion. They pointed out 
 that at worst it would entail on France the loss of three 
 or four army corps, a loss no greater than she would suffer in 
 one short land campaign. But alas ! at that time very little 
 notice was taken of such criticisms and illustrations, for Britons 
 had always been prone to cast doubts upon the power of other 
 nations to convey troops by sea, to embark them, or to land 
 them. Thus the many suggestions directed towards increasing 
 the mobility and efficiency of the Army were, like other warn- 
 ings, cast aside, the prevailing opinion in the country being 
 that sudden invasion was an absolute impossibility. 
 
 Predictions of prophets that had so long been scorned, 
 derided, and disregarded by an apathetic British public were 
 rapidly being fulfilled. Coming events had cast dark shadows 
 
 70
 
 In the Eagle's Talons 71 
 
 that had been unheeded, and now the unexpected bursting of 
 the war cloud produced panic through our land. 
 
 (Jeneral Sir Archibald Alison struck an alarming note of 
 warning when he wrote in Blackwood in December 1893: "No 
 one can look carefully into the present state of Europe without 
 feeling convinced that it cannot continue long in its present 
 condition. Every country is maintaining an armed force out 
 of all proportion to its resources and population, and the con- 
 sequent strain upon its monetary system and its industrial 
 population is ever increasing, and must sooner or later become 
 unbearable." 
 
 It had never been sufficiently impressed upon the British 
 public, that when mobilised for war, and with all the Eeserves 
 called out, Eussia had at her command 2,722,000 officers and 
 men, while France could put 2,715,000 into the field, making 
 a total force of the Franco-Paissian Armies of 5,437,000 men, 
 with 9920 field guns and 1,480,000 horses. 
 
 This well-equipped force was almost equal to the combined 
 Armies of the Triple Alliance, Germany possessing 2,441,000, 
 Austria 1,590,000, and Italy 1,909,000, a total of 5,940,000 
 otiicers and men, with 8184 field guns and 813,996 horses. 
 
 Beside these enormous totals, how ridiculously small ap- 
 peared the British Army, with its Eegular forces at home 
 and abroad amounting to only 211,600 of all ranks, 225,400 
 Volunteers, and 74,000 Eeserves, or 511,000 fighting men ! Of 
 these, only 63,000 Eegulars remained in England and Wales, 
 therefore our Eeserves and Volunteers were the chief defenders 
 of our homes. 
 
 What a mere handful they appeared side by side with these 
 huge European Armies ! 
 
 Was it not surprising that in such circumstances the 
 constant warnings regarding the weakness of our Navy — the 
 force upon which the very life of our Empire depended — should 
 have been unheeded by the too confident public ? 
 
 When we were told plainly by a well-known authority that 
 the number of our war vessels was miserably inadequate, that 
 we were 10,000 men and 1000 officers short, and, among other
 
 72 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 things, that a French cruiser had, for all practical purposes, 
 three times the fighting etficiency of an English cruiser, no one 
 troubled. Nor was any one aroused from his foolishly apathetic 
 confidence in British supremacy at sea. True, our Navy was 
 strengthened to a certain extent in 1894, but hard facts, solemn 
 warnings, gloomy forebodings, all were, alas ! cast aside among 
 the " scares " which crop up periodically in the press during a 
 Parliamentary recess, and wliich, on the hearing of a murder 
 trial, or a Society scandal, at once fizzle out and are dismissed 
 for ever. 
 
 On this rude awakening to the seriousness of the situation. 
 Service men now remembered distinctly the prophetic words 
 of the few students of probable invasion. Once they had 
 regarded them as based on wild improbabilities, but now they 
 admitted that the facts were as represented, and that critics 
 had foreseen catastrophe. 
 
 Already active steps had been taken towards the defence of 
 London. 
 
 Notwithstanding the serious defects in the mobilisation 
 scheme, the 1st Army Corps, formed at Aldershot under Sir 
 Evelyn Wood, and three cavalry brigades, were now in the 
 field, while the other army corps were being rapidly conveyed 
 southwards. 
 
 Independently of the Field Army, the Volunteers had 
 mobilised, and were occupying the lines north and south of 
 the metropolis. This force of Volunteer infantry consisted of 
 108,300 officers and men, of whom 73,000, with 212 guns, were 
 placed on the line south of the Thames. 
 
 It stretched along the hills from Guildford in Surrey to 
 Halsted in Kent, with intermediate concentration points at 
 Box Hill and Caterham. At the latter place an efficient 
 garrison had been established, consisting of 4603 of all ranks 
 of the North London Brigade, 4521 of the West London, 5965 
 of the South London, 5439 of the Surrey, and 6132 of the 
 Lancashire and Cheshire. This force was backed by eleven 
 16-pounder batteries of the 1st Norfolk from Yarmouth, the 
 1st Sussex from Brighton, the 1st Newcastle and the 2nd
 
 In the Eagle's Talons 73 
 
 Durham from Seaham, and ten 40-poimder batteries of the 3rd 
 and 6th Lancashire from Liverpool, the 9th Lancashire from 
 Bolton, the 1st Cheshire from Chester, the 1st Cinque Ports 
 from Dover, and the 2nd Cinque Ports from St. Leonards. At 
 Halstead, on the left flank, there were massed about 20,470 
 Volunteer infantry, these being made up of the South Wales 
 Brigade 4182, Welsh Border 5192, the North Midland 5225, 
 and the South Midland 5970, The eleven 16-pounder batteries 
 came from the Woolwich Arsenal, Monmouth, Shropshire, and 
 Stafford Corps, and five 40-pounder batteries from the Preston 
 Corps. 
 
 To Guildford 4471 infantry in the Home Counties Brigade 
 and 4097 in the Western Counties were assigned, while the 
 guns consisted of four 40-pounder batteries from the York and 
 Leeds Corps, the 16-pounder batteries of the Fife, Highland, 
 and Midlothian Corps being unable, as yet, to get south on 
 account of the congested state of all the northern railways. 
 
 For this same reason, too, the force at Box Hill, the remain- 
 ing post in the south line of defence, was a very weak one. To 
 this the Volunteers assigned were mostly Scottish. 
 
 Of the Glasgow Brigade 8000 of all ranks arrived, with 
 4000 from the South of Scotland Brigade ; but the Highland 
 Brigade of 4400 men, all enthusiastically patriotic, and the 
 16-pounder batteries from Ayr and Lanark, were compelled, to 
 their chagrin, to wait at their headquarters for several days 
 before the railways — every resource of which was strained to 
 their utmost limits — could move them forward to the seat of 
 war. 
 
 The five heavy batteries of the Aberdeen and North 
 York Corps succeeded in getting down to their place of con- 
 centration early, as likewise did the 16-pounder battery from 
 Galloway. Volunteers also undertook the defences north of 
 the metropolis, and a strong line, consisting of a number of 
 provincial brigades, stretched from Tilbury to Brentwood and 
 Epping. 
 
 The British Volunteer holds no romantic notions of " death 
 or glory," but is none the less prepared to do his duty, and is
 
 74 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 always ready " to do anything, and to go anywhere." Every 
 officer and every man of this great force which had mounted 
 auard north and south of the Thames was resolved to act 
 his part bravely, and, if necessary, lay down his life for his 
 country's honour. 
 
 At their posts on the Surrey Hills, ready at any moment to 
 CTO into action, and firmly determined that no invader should 
 enter the vast Capital of the World, they impatiently awaited 
 the development of the situation, eager to face and annihilate 
 their foreign foe. 
 
 Britannia had always been justly proud of her Volunteer 
 forces, although their actual strength in time of invasion had 
 never before been demonstrated. Now, however, the test 
 which had been applied showed that, with an exception of 
 rarest occurrence, every man had responded to this hasty call 
 to arms, and that on active service they were as fearless and 
 courageous as any body of Regulars ever put in the field. 
 
 Every man was alive to Britain's danger ; every man knew 
 well how terrible would be the combat— the struggle that must 
 result in either victory or death. 
 
 The double-headed Eagle had set his talons in British soil !
 
 CHAPTEK XIII. 
 
 FIERCE FIGHTING IN THE CHANNEL. 
 
 N the Chaimel disastrous events of a most 
 exciting character were now rapidly occuiring. 
 Outside Seaford Bay, Pevensey Bay, and off 
 Brighton and the Mares at Cuckmere Haven, 
 the enemy's transports, having landed troops 
 and stores, rode at anchor, forming a line of 
 retreat in case of reverses, while many fast French cruisers 
 steamed up and down, keeping a sharp lookout lor any 
 British merchant or n)ail steamers which, ignorant of the 
 hostilities, entered the Channel. 
 
 The officers and crews of these steamers were in most 
 cases so utterly surprised that they fell an easy \>vey to the 
 marauding vessels, many being captured and taken to French 
 ports without a shot being fired. Other vessels, on endeavour- 
 ing to escape, were either overhauled or sunk by the heavy 
 fire of pursuing cruisers. One instance was that of the fast 
 mail steamer Carpathian, belonging to the Union Steamship 
 Company, which, entering the Channel on a voyage from Cape 
 Town to Southampton, was attacked oil' the Eddystone by the 
 Russian armoured cruiser Gcrzog Edinhnrskij. The panic on 
 board was indescribable, over a hundred steerage passengers 
 being killed or mutilated by the shells from the bow guns of 
 the cruiser, and the captain himself being blown to atoms by 
 an explosion which occurred when a shot struck and carried 
 away the forward funnel. After an exciting chase, the 
 6
 
 76 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Carpathian was sunk near Start Point, and of the five hundred 
 passengers and crew scarcely a single person survived. 
 
 This terrible work of destruction accomplislied, the Ilussian 
 cruiser turned westward again to await further prey. As she 
 steamed away, however, another ship rounded the Start follow- 
 ing at full speed in her wake. This vessel, M'hich was flying 
 the British flag, was the barbette-ship Centurion. Already 
 her captain had witnessed the attack and sinking of the 
 Carpathian, but from a distance too great to enable him to 
 assist the defenceless liner, and he was now on his way to 
 attack the Tsar's cruiser. Almost immediately she was noticed 
 by the enemy. Half an hour later she drew within range, and 
 soon the two ships were engaged in a most desperate encounter. 
 The gunners on the Centurion, seeing the Eussian cross flying 
 defiantly, and knowing the frightful havoc already wrought on 
 land by the enemy, worked with that pluck and indomitable 
 energy characteristic of the Britisher. Shot after shot was 
 exchanged, but hissed and splashed without effect until the 
 ships drew nearer, and then nearly every shell struck home. 
 The rush of flame from the quick-firing guns of the CcntiLrion 
 was continuous, and the tiring was much more accurate than 
 that of her opponent, nevertheless the latter was manipulated 
 with remarkable skill. 
 
 The roar of the guns was deafening. Clouds of smoke 
 rose so thickly that the vessels could scarcely distinguish 
 each other. But the firing was almost continuous, until 
 suddenly a shell struck the Centurion abaft the funnel, and 
 for a moment stilled her guns. 
 
 This, however, was not for long, for in a few moments she 
 recovered from the shock, and her guns were again sending 
 forth sliells with regularity and precision. Again a shell 
 struck the Centurion, this time carrying away one of her funnels 
 and killing a large number of men. 
 
 The British captain, still as cool as if standing on the 
 hearthrug of the smoking-room of the United Service Club, 
 took his vessel closer, continuing the fire, heedless of the fact 
 that the Eussian shells striking his ship were playing such
 
 Fierce Fighting in the Channel 77 
 
 fearful huvoc with it. lu'eiy prepar;ilii)n had ])ceii made for 
 a desperate light to the death, when suddenly a .shot struck the 
 vessel, causing her to reel and shiver. 
 
 So well had the Russians directed their fire that the British 
 vessel could not reply. One of her 29-tonners had been blown 
 completely off its carnage, and lay shattered with men dead 
 all around, while two of her quick-firing broadside guns had 
 been rendered useless, and she had sustained other injuries of 
 a very serious character, besides losing nearly half her men. 
 
 She was silent, riding to the swell, wlien wild exultant 
 shouts in Kussian went up from the enemy's ship, mingling 
 with the heavy fire they still kept up. 
 
 At that moment, however, even while the victorious shouts 
 resounded, the captain of the Centurion, still cool and collected, 
 swung round his vessel, and turning, touched one of the 
 electric knobs at his hand. As he did so a long silvery object 
 shot noiselessly from the side of the ship, and plunged with 
 a splash into the rising waves. 
 
 Seconds seemed hours. For a whole three minutes the 
 captain waited; then, disappointed, he turned away with an 
 expression of impatience. The torpedo had missed its mark, 
 and every moment lost might determine their fate. With 
 guns still silent lie again adroitly manoeuvred his ship. Once 
 again he touched the electric knob, and again a torpedo, 
 released from its tube, sped rapidly through the water. 
 
 Suddeidy a dull and muffled explosion from the liussian 
 cruiser sounded. Above the dense smoke a flame shot high, 
 with great colunnis of spray, as the guns suddenly ceaged their 
 thunder. 
 
 There was a dead stillness, broken only by the wash of the sea. 
 
 Then the smoke clearing showed the debris of the Gcrzog 
 Edinhurshij fast sinking beneath the restless waters. Some 
 splinters precipitated into the air had fallen with loud 
 splashes in every direction, and amid the victorious shouts 
 of the British bluejacd<ets the disabled ship, with its fluttering 
 Russian cross, slowly disappeared for ever, carrying down 
 every soul on Ijoard.
 
 yS The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 The torpedo, striking her amidships, had blown an enormous 
 hole right through her double bottom, and torn her transverse 
 bulkheads away so much that her watertight doors were use- 
 less for keeping her afloat, even for a few minutes. 
 
 Partially crippled as she was, the Centurion steamed slowly 
 westward, until at noon on the following day she fell in with 
 a division of the Coastguard Squadron, which, acting under 
 the fictitious telegraphic orders of the French spy, had been 
 to Land's End, but which, now the enemy had landed, had 
 received genuine orders from the Admiralty. 
 
 Compared with the number and strengtli of the French 
 and Kussian vessels mustered in the Channel, this force was 
 so small as to appear ludicrous. To send this weak defending 
 division against the mighty power of the invaders was sheer 
 madness, and everybody on board knew it. The vessels were 
 weaker in every detail than those of tlie enemy. 
 
 At full speed the British vessels steamed on throughout 
 that day, until at 8 P.M., when about twenty miles south 
 of Selsey Bill, they were joined by forces from the Solent. 
 These consisted of the turret-ship Ifonarch, the turret-ram 
 Bupert, the barbette-ship Bodney, the belted cruiser Aurora, 
 and the coast defence armour-clads Cyclops and Gorgon, to- 
 gether with a number of torpedo boats. The night was calm, 
 but moonless, and without delay the vessels all continued the 
 voyage up Channel silently, with lights extinguished. 
 
 Two hours later the officers noticed that away on the 
 horizon a light suddenly flashed twice and tlien disappeared. 
 
 One of the enemy's ships had signalled the approach of the 
 defenders ! 
 
 This caused the British Admiral to alter his course 
 slightly, and the vessels steamed along in the direction the 
 light had shown. 
 
 In turrets and in broadside batteries there was a deep 
 hush of expectation. Officers and men standing at their 
 quarters scarcely spoke. All felt the fight must be most 
 desperate. 
 
 Presently, in the far distance a small patch of light in tlie
 
 Fierce Fighting in the Channel 79 
 
 sky showed the direction of Brighton, and abnost imiuediately 
 the Admiral signalled to the cruisers Aurora, Galatea, and 
 N'arcissus, and the new battleship Hannibal, built under 
 the 1894 programme, to detach themselves with six torpedo 
 boats, and take an easterly course, in order to carry out 
 instructions which he gave. These tactics caused considerable 
 connnent. 
 
 The orders were to make straight for Eastbourne, and to 
 suddenly attack and destroy any of the hostile transports that 
 were lying there, the object being twofold — firstly, to cut off 
 the enemy's line of retreat, and secondly, to prevent the vessels 
 from being used furthe purpose of landing further reinforcements. 
 
 Soon after 2 A.]\r. this gallant little division had, by careful 
 manoeuvring, and assisted by a slight mist which now hung 
 over the sea, rounded Beachy Head without being discovered, 
 and had got outside Pevensey Bay about eight miles from 
 land. Here a number of Kussian transports and service 
 steamers were lying, among them being the Samojecl and Olaf, 
 Krasnaya Gorka and Vladimir, with two smaller ones — the 
 Dnepr and the Artelscik. 
 
 Silently, and without showing any lights, a British torpedo 
 boat sped quickly along to where the dark outline of a ship 
 loomed through the mist, and, having ascertained that it was 
 the Olaf, drew up quickly. 
 
 A few minutes elapsed, all being quiet. Then suddenly a 
 bright flash was followed by a fearful explosion, and the 
 bottom of the Tsar's vessel being completely ripped up by 
 the torpedo, she commenced to settle down immediately, 
 before any of those on board could save themselves. The 
 enemy had scarcely recovered from their surprise and con- 
 fusion when three other loud explosions occurred, and in 
 each case trans[)ort vessels were blown up, British torpedo 
 boats, darting hither and thither between the Eussian ships, 
 were dealing terrible blows from which no vessel could recover. 
 So active were they, indeed, that within the space of fifteen 
 minutes six transports had been blown up, as well as the first- 
 class tor[)edo boat Abo. The loss of life was terrible.
 
 8o The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Simultaneously with the first explosion, the guns of the 
 Aurora, Galatea, and Mircissus thundered out a terrible salute. 
 The bright search-lights of the Eussian cruisers and of the 
 Imttleship Navarin immediately swept the sea, and through 
 the mist discerned the British ships. The lights served only 
 to show the latter the exact position of the enemy, and again 
 our guns belched forth shot and shell with disastrous effect. 
 
 Quickly, however, the Eussian vessels replied. Flame 
 flashed continuously from the turret of the Navarin and the 
 port guns of the Opricnih and the Najczdnik, while the search- 
 lights were at the same time shut off. 
 
 At first the fire was very ineffectual, but gradually as the 
 vessels crept closer to each other the encounter became more 
 and more desperate. 
 
 The Eussian torpedo boats Vzrijv, Vindava, and Kotlinj 
 were immediately active, and the Narcissiis had a very narrow 
 escape, a Whitehead torpedo passing right under her bows, 
 while one British torpedo boat, which at the same moment 
 was endeavouring to launch its deadly projectile at the Navarin, 
 was sent to the bottom by a single shot from the Najczdnik 
 
 The combat was desperate and terrible. That the British 
 had been already successful in surprising and sinking a torpedo 
 boat and six of the hostile transports was true ; nevertheless 
 the number of Eussian ships lying there was much greater 
 than the British Admiral had anticipated, and, to say the 
 least, the four vessels now found themselves in a most critical 
 position. 
 
 The Navarin alone was one of the most powerful of the 
 Tsar's battleships, and, in addition to the seven cruisers and 
 nine torpedo boats, comprised an overwhelming force. 
 
 Yet the English warships held their own, pouring forth an 
 incessant fire. Each gnn's crew knew they were face to face 
 with death, but, inspired by the coolness of their officers, they 
 worked on calmly and indefatigably. Many of tlieir shots 
 went home with frightful effect. One shell which burst over 
 the magazine of the Lieut. Iljin ripped up her deck and caused 
 severe loss of life, while in the course of half an hour one of
 
 FiERCK Fighting in the Channel 8i 
 
 the heavy turret guns of the Navarin had been disabled, and 
 two more Eussian torpedo boats sunk. Our torpeiio boat 
 destroyers operating on the Channel seaboard were performing 
 exctdlent work, tlie Havock, Shark, Hornet, Dart, Bruiser, Hasty, 
 Teaser, Janus, Surly, and rorcupine all being niana;uvred with 
 splendid success. Several, however, were lost while sweeping 
 out the enemy's torjjedo boat shelters, including the Ardent, 
 Charger, Boxer, and lloclcet. 
 
 But the British vessels were now suffering terribly, hemmed 
 in as they were by the enemy, with shells falling upon them 
 every moment, and their decks swei)t by the witliering fire of 
 machine guns. Suddenly, after a shell had burst in tlie stern 
 of the Aurora, she ceased firing and swung round, almost 
 colliding with the Narcissus. Her steam steering-gear had, 
 alas ! been broken by the shot, and for a few moments her 
 officers lost control over her. 
 
 A Eussian torpedo boat in shelter behind the Navarin, 
 now seeing its chance, darted out and launched its projectile. 
 
 The officers of the Aurora, aware of their danger, seemed 
 utterly powerless to avert it. It was a terrible moment. A 
 few seconds later the torpedo struck, the cruiser rose as if she 
 had ridden over a volcano, and then, as she gradually settled 
 down, the dark sea rolled over as gallant a crew as ever sailed 
 beneath the White Ensign. 
 
 Immediately afterv.ards the Navarin exchanged rapid 
 signals with a number of ships which were approaching with 
 all speed from the direction of Hastings, and the captains of 
 the three remaining British vessels saw that they had fallen 
 into a traj). 
 
 The Narcissus had been drawn between two fires. Both 
 her funnels had been shot away, two of her broadside guns 
 were useless, and she had sustained damage to her engines ; 
 nevertheless, her captain, with the dogged perseverance of a 
 British sailor, continued the desperate combat. With the first 
 flush of dawn the fog had lifted, but there was scarcely suffi- 
 cient wind to spread out the British ensign, which still waved 
 with lazy defiance.
 
 82 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 On one side of her was the ponderous Navarin, from the 
 turret of which shells were projected with monotonous regu- 
 larity, while on the other the British cruiser was attacked 
 vigorously by the Najezdiiih. The Narcissus, however, quickly 
 showed the Kussians what she could do against such over- 
 whelming odds, for presently she sent a shot from one of her 
 20-ton guns right under the turret of the Navarin, causing 
 a most disastrous explosion on board that vessel, while, at the 
 same time, her 6 -inch breechloaders pounded away at her 
 second antagonist, and sank a torpedo boat manoeuvring near. 
 
 Botli the Galatea and the Hannibal were in an equally 
 serious predicament. The enemy's torpedo boats swarmed 
 around them, while the cruisers Opriciiik, Admiral Korniloff, 
 Rynda, and several other vessels, kept up a hot, inces- 
 sant fire, which was returned energetically by the British 
 vessels. 
 
 The sight was magnificent, appalling! In the spreading 
 dawn, the great ships manoeuvring smartly, each strove to 
 obtain points of vantage, and vied with each other in their 
 awful work of destruction. The activity of the British 
 torpedo boats, darting here and there, showed that those who 
 manned them were utterly reckless of their lives. As they 
 sped about, it was indeed marvellous how they escaped 
 destruction, for the Eussians had more than double the 
 number of boats, and their speed was quite equal to our own. 
 
 Nevertheless the British boats followed up their successes 
 by other brilliant deeds of daring, for one of them, with a 
 sudden dash, took the Rynda off her guard, and sent a torpedo 
 at her with awful result, while a few moments later two 
 terrific explosions sounded almost simultaneously above the 
 thunder of the guns, and it was then seen that the unprotected 
 cruiser Asia, and the last remaining transport the Krasnaya 
 Gorka, were both sinking. 
 
 It was a ghastly spectacle. 
 
 Hoarse despairing shrieks went up from hundreds of 
 Eussian sailors who fought and struggled for life in the dark 
 rolling waters, and three British torpedo boats humanely
 
 Fierce Fighting in the Channel 83 
 
 rescued a great number of them. Many, however, sank im- 
 mediately with their vessels, while some strong swimmers struck 
 out for the distant shore. Yet, without exception, all these 
 succumbed to exhaustion ere they could reach the land, and 
 the long waves closed over them as they threw up their arms 
 and sank into the deep. 
 
 During the first few minutes following this sudden disaster 
 to the enemy the firing ceased, and the Navarin ran up signals. 
 This action attracted the attention of the officers of the British 
 vessels to the ap[)roaching ships, and to their amazement and 
 dismay they discovered that they w^ere a squadron of the 
 enemy who had returned unexpectedly from the direction of 
 Dover. 
 
 The British ships, in their half-crippled condition, could 
 not possibly withstand such an onslaught as they knew was 
 about to be made upon them, for the enemy's reinforcements 
 consisted of the steel barbette-ships Gangut, Alexander II., and 
 Kicolai L, of the Baltic Fleet, the great turret-ship Peti^ Vclihj, 
 the Burili, a very powerful central-battery belted cruiser of 
 over ten thousand tons, two new cruisers of the same type 
 that had been recently completed, the Enara and Ischma, with 
 three other cruisers and a large flotilla of torpedo boats. Ac- 
 companying them were the French 10,000 - ton armoured 
 barbette-ship Magenta, the central-battery ship Richelieu, the 
 armoured turret-ship Tomierre, and the Hoche, one of the finest 
 vessels of our Gallic neighbour's Navy, as well as the torpedo 
 cruisers Hirondelle and Fleurus, and a number of swift torpedo 
 boats and " catchers." 
 
 The captains of the British vessels saw that in the face of 
 such a force defeat was a foregone conclusion ; therefore they 
 could do nothing but retreat hastily towards Newhaven, in the 
 hope of finding the division of the British Coastguard 
 Squadron which had gone there for the same purpose as they 
 had rounded Beachy Head, namely, to destroy the enemy's 
 transports. 
 
 Without delay the three vessels swung round with all 
 speed and were quickly headed down Channel, while the
 
 84 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 remaining attendant torpedo boats, noticing this sudden retreat, 
 also darted away. This manoeuvre did not, of course, proceed 
 unchecked, the enemy being determined they should not escape. 
 Signals were immediately made by the Alexander II., the flag- 
 ship, and the Petr Veliky and Enara, being within range, blazed 
 forth a storm of shell upon the fugitives. The shots, however, 
 fell wide, and ricochetted over the water, sending up huge 
 columns of spray ; whereupon the Narcissus and Galatea 
 replied steadily with their 6-inch guns, while the heavy guns 
 of the Hannibal were also quickly brought into play. 
 
 In a few minutes the Magenta and Tonnerre, with the 
 Alger, Oreille, and Sfax, started in pursuit, and an intensely 
 exciting chase commenced. The engines of the British 
 vessels were run at the highest possible pressure, but 
 the French ships proved several knots swifter. As they 
 steamed at full speed around Beachy Head towards Seaford 
 Bay the enemy gradually overhauled them. The brisk fire 
 which was being kept up soon began to tell, for all three 
 retreating ships had lost many men, and the scenes of blood- 
 shed on board were frightful 
 
 Eagerly the officers swept the horizon with their glasses to 
 discover signs of friendly aid, but none hove in sight. All 
 three ships were weak, their guns disabled, with whole guns' 
 crews lying dead around, and many of the officers had fallen. 
 In strength, in speed, in armaments — in fact, in everything — 
 they were inferior to their opponents, and they saw it was a 
 question of sheer force, not one of courage. 
 
 They would either be compelled to surrender to the Tricolor, 
 or deliberately seek the grave. With such a force bearing down 
 upon them, escape seemed absolutely impossible.
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 BATTLE OFF BKACIIY HEAD. 
 
 ^Qp^ HE sun at last broke fortli brilliantly, l)etokoning 
 ijl^Bi;.;^, another blazing clay. 
 
 ^^^J~^ Having regard to the fact that botli the 
 
 l ^l^I^lJI Channel Fleet and the reserve had been sent 
 SteMa^M on futile errands by our enemy's secret agent, 
 "™*^^*^"* and the superior forces against which the 
 British had all along had to fight, they had most assuredly 
 shown what tact and courage could effect. 
 
 Opposite the Belle Tout lighthouse a disaster occurred to 
 the Narcissus. During the fight one of her engines had been 
 injured, and this being now strained to its utmost limit had 
 suddenly broken down altogether, with the result tliat the 
 vessel gradually slackened speed, and the Sfax and Alger bore 
 down quickly upon her, pouring into her a heavy fire from 
 their 5-tonners. The reply was a weak one from her quick- 
 firing guns, her heavy arms having nearly all been disabled. 
 
 Onward steamed the Galatea and Hannihal, keeping up a 
 running fire with the four vessels pursuing them, while the two 
 cruisers engaging the Narcissus continued their strenuous 
 endeavours to silence her guns. The British sailors, however, 
 still undaunted, quickly show^ed their opponents that all the 
 arms workable would be brought into play by directing a most 
 vigorous fire upon their pursuers, blowing away one of the 
 funnels of the Alger, and disabling one of her large bow guns. 
 
 85
 
 86 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Just then, however, while the Narcissus was discharging a 
 broadside, a torpedo boat crept under her stern and sent forth 
 its submerged projectile. For a moment there was a hush 
 of expectation, then a dull explosion sounded as the cruiser, 
 apparently rent in twain, plunged stern foremost into the 
 sea, and with her ensign still flying gradually disappeared 
 without a soul on board being able to save himself. 
 
 Meanwhile the Galatea and Hannibal, with tlieir torpedo 
 boats, were sustaining serious injuries from the heavy bow 
 Are, and there seemed every possibility that they too would 
 share the same terrible fate as the Narcissus, when suddenly 
 one of the officers of the Galatea discovered three vessels 
 approaching. The " demand " was immediately hoisted, and 
 responded to by both vessels running up private signals. ° With 
 an expression of satisfaction he directed the attention of the 
 captain to the fact, for the flags of the first-named vessel 
 showed her to be the British turret-ship Monarch, and those 
 of the second the great barbette - ship Bodney, while a 
 moment later it was discerned that the third vessel was the 
 Gorgon. 
 
 Even as they looked, other masts appeared upon the horizon, 
 and then they knew relief was at hand. Both vessels ran 
 up signals, while the men, encouraged by the knowledge 
 that some powerful British ironclads were bearing down 
 to their aid in indented line ahead, worked with increased 
 vigour to keep the enemy at bay. 
 
 It was a fierce, sanguinary fight. Fire vomited from all the 
 vessels' battered works, and the scuppers ran with blood. The 
 French vessels, having apparently also noticed the relief ap- 
 proaching, did not seem inclined to fight, but were nevertheless 
 compelled, and not for a single instant did the firing from the 
 attacked vessels cease. Their guns showed constant bursts of 
 flame. 
 
 Soon, however, the Rodney drew within range. A puff of 
 white smoke from her barbette, and the C(^ciUe received a taste 
 of her quick-firing i^uns, the shots from which struck her 
 amidships, killing a large number of her men, and tearing up
 
 Battle off Beachy Head 87 
 
 her deck. This was followed by deafening discharges from the 
 four 25-ton guns of the Monarch, while the Gorgon and a 
 number of other vessels as they approached all took part 
 in the conflict, the engagement quickly becoming general. 
 With great precision the British directed their fire, and the 
 French vessels soon prepared to beat a retreat, when, without 
 warning, a frightful explosion occurred on board the Hirondellc, 
 and wreckage mingled with human limbs shot into the air 
 amid a great sheet of flame. 
 
 The magazine had exploded ! The scene on board the 
 doomed vessel, even as witnessed from the British ships, was 
 awful. Terrified men left their guns, and, rushing hither and 
 thither, sought means of escape. But the boats had already 
 been smashed by shots from the British cruisers, and all knew 
 that death was inevitable. 
 
 The burning ship slowly foundered beneath them, and as 
 they rushed about in despair they fell back into the roaring 
 flames. A British torpedo boat rescued about a dozen; but 
 presently, with a heavy list, the warship suddenly swung 
 round, and, bow first, disappeared into the green sunlit sea, 
 leaving only a few poor wretches, who, after struggling vainly 
 on the surface for a few moments, also went down to the 
 unknown. 
 
 Tlie carnage was frightful. Hundreds of men were being 
 launched into eternity, while upon the horizon both east and 
 west dozens of ships of both invaders and defenders w^ere 
 rapidly approaching, and all would, ere long, try conclusions. 
 
 Before half an hour had passed, a fierce battle, as sanguinary 
 as any in the world's history, had commenced. The cruisers, 
 acting as satellites to the battleships forming the two opposing 
 fighting lines, had quickly commenced a series of fierce skir- 
 mishes and duels, all the most destructive engines of modern 
 warfare being brought into play. 
 
 The division of our Channel Fleet that had at last returned 
 consisted of the powerful battleship Royal Sovereign, flying the 
 Admiral's flag ; the barbette-ships Anson, Howe, Camperdoicn, 
 and Benhow ; the turret-ships Thunderer and Conqueror; the
 
 88 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 cruisers Mersey, Tciysichore, Meliimpus, Tribune, Latona, Imnior- 
 talite, and Barliam ; with the torpedo gunboats Spanker and 
 Speedwell, and nineteen torpedo boats. 
 
 The forces of the invaders were more than double that of the 
 British, for, in addition to tlie vessels already enumerated, the 
 reinforcements consisted of the French battleships Amiral 
 Bcmdin, Formidable, Amiral Dwperri, Brennus, Tr6houart, 
 Jemap-pes, Terrible, Bcqidn, Indomitable, Caiman, Courbet, 
 Devastation, liedoubtable, and Furieux, toi^ether with nine 
 cruisers, and thirty-eight torjjilleurs de haute mer. 
 
 From the very commencement the fighting was at close 
 quarters, and the storm of shot and shell caused death on every 
 hand. With such an overwhelming force at his disposal. 
 Admiral Maigret, the French commander, had been enabled to 
 take up a position which boded ill for the defenders, neverthe- 
 less the British Admiral on board the Boyal Sovereign was 
 determined to exert every effort to repulse the enemy. 
 
 In the thick of the fight the great fiagship steamed along, 
 her compartments closed, her stokeholds screwed down, her 
 four 67-ton guns hurling great shots from her barbettes, and her 
 smaller arms pouring out a continuous deadly fire upon the 
 French ship Indo7nptable on the one side, and the great Piussian 
 armoured cruiser Nicolai I. on the other. Upon the latter the 
 British vessel's shells played with a terribly devastating effect, 
 bringing down the large forward mast and the machine guns 
 in her fighting tops, and then, while the crew worked to get 
 the wreckage clear, the Maxim, Nordenfelt, and Hotchkiss 
 guns of the Royal Sovereign suddenly rattled out, sweeping 
 with their metal hail her opponent's deck, and mowing down 
 those who were cutting adrift the fallen rigging. A moment 
 later a shell struck one of the pair of guns in the Nicolai's 
 turret, rendering it useless, and then the captain of the Boyal 
 Sovereign, who had been standing in the conning-tower calmly 
 awaiting his chance, touched three electric knobs in rapid 
 succession. The engines throbbed, the great ship moved along 
 at increasing speed through dense clouds of stifling smoke, 
 and as she did so the captain shouted an order which had
 
 Battle off Bkaciiy Head 89 
 
 tliu ('fleet of suddenly tui'niii,t,f the vessel, and while her great 
 barljette guns roared, the ram of the ]>riti.sh vessel eraslied 
 into the broadside of the Tsar's ship with a terrific impact 
 which caused her to shiver from stem to stern. 
 
 Then, as the big guns in her rear barbette thundered out 
 upon the Indomytahh, whose engines had broken down, she 
 drew gradually back from the terriljle breach her ram had 
 made under the water-line of her ojtponcnt, and the latter at 
 once commenced to sink. The foi'ce of the impact had been 
 so great tiiat the Eussian's hull was absolutely broken in two, 
 and as the iron stretched and rent like paper, she heaved 
 slowly over, " turning turtle," and carrying down with her over 
 three hundred ollicers and men. 
 
 The British captain now turned his attention to the French 
 ship, which had been joined in the attack by the Brcnnvs, the 
 fire from whose 58-ton guns at close quarters played great 
 havoc with the British flagship's superstructure. A second 
 later, however, the captain of the lioyal Sovereign caught the 
 IndovijyiaUe in an unguarded moment, and, s})ringing towards 
 one of the electric knobs before him, pressed it. This had the 
 elfect of ejecting a torpedo from one of the bow tubes, and so 
 well directed was it that a few seconds later there was a 
 deafening report, as part of the stern portion of the French 
 ship was blown away, raising great columns of spray. 
 
 The situation was awful, and the loss of life everywhere 
 enormous. Dense, blinding smoke, and the choking fumes of 
 melinite, obscured the sun, and in the darkness thus caused 
 the flames from the guns shed a lurid light upon decks strewm 
 with dead and dying. The cruisers and scouts by which our 
 battleships were surrounded cut ofl' many of the French 
 torpedo boats, but a large number got right in among the 
 fleet, and some terrible disasters were thus caused. Once 
 inside the circle of British cruisers, all fire directed at the 
 boats was as dangerous to our own ships as to the enemy's 
 boats. 
 
 The superiority of the French torpedo boats was, alas! 
 keenly felt by the British, for in the course of the first hour
 
 90 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 five of our cruisers — the Terpsichore, Galatea, Melampus, 
 Tribune, Mersey, the turret-ship Conqueror, and the battleships 
 Hannibal and Rodney, had been blown up. As compared 
 with these losses, those of the enemy were at this stage by no 
 means small. The French had lost two cruisers and four 
 torpedo boats, and the Russians one battleship, three cruisers, 
 and six torpedo boats. 
 
 The British, with all these fearful odds against them, still 
 continued a galling fire. The Camperdoion, Anson, and Benbow, 
 steaming together in line, belched a storm of shell from their 
 barbettes, which caused wholesale destruction among the 
 crowd of ships engaging them. Yet the withering fire of the 
 enemy was telling terribly upon the comparatively small force 
 of the defenders. Upon all three battleships the casualties 
 were frightful, and on board each one or more of the heavy 
 guns had been disabled. Suddenly a shot, penetrating a weak 
 point in the armour of the Anson, entered her engine-room, 
 disabling a portion of her machinery, while a moment later a 
 shell from the Amiral Diiperr4 fell close to her broadside 
 torpedo disclmrge, and a fragment of the shell coming into con- 
 tact with the striker of a torpedo, just as it was about to leave 
 its tube, caused a terrific and disastrous explosion between the 
 decks. The effect was horrifying. The torpedo contained 
 over 70 lb. of gun-cotton, therefore the devastating nature of 
 the explosion may be readily imagined. Over a hundred men 
 were blown to atoms, and the whole six of the broadside guns 
 were more or less disabled. 
 
 A second later, however, a shell from the Benbow struck 
 the Amiral Biiperri, carrying away the greater portion of 
 her conning-tower, and killing her captain instantly, while 
 almost at the same moment a torpedo from one of the British 
 boats struck her bows with a frightful detonation, blowing an 
 enormous hole in them. The catastrophe was complete. The 
 crew of tlie doomed sliip, panic-stricken, left their guns and 
 commenced to launch the only two boats that remained un- 
 injured ; but ere this could be accomplished, the Trihouart, 
 which suddenly went astern, apparently to avoid a torpedo,
 
 Battle off Beach y Head 91 
 
 craslicd into her, with the result that slie heeled n<fht over 
 and (juickly disappeared. 
 
 Tlie Camyerdown, figliting fiercely with the Requin, the 
 Terrible, and the Courhet, was suffering terrible damage from 
 bow to stern ; nevertheless her guns kept up an incessant 
 torrent of shot, until suddetdy, just after one of her shells had 
 struck right under the turret of the Terrible, there was a 
 deafening report, the air was filled with dense smoke, and the 
 French ship, with her engines disabled, commenced to fill and 
 sink. 
 
 A portion of the shell had penetrated to her magazine, and 
 she had blown up, nearly half her crew being killed by the 
 terrific force of the explosion. Many of the remaining men, 
 however, scrambled on board the Caiman, which by some 
 means had come into slight collision with her ; but scarcely 
 had the last terrified man left the sinking vessel, when the 
 Camperdoiun's powerful ram entered the Caiman's bows, 
 breaking her hull, and she also foundered, carrying down with 
 her not only her own crew, but also the survivors of the Terrible. 
 
 This success was witnessed with satisfliction by the British 
 Admiral, who nevertheless saw how seriously weakened was 
 his force, and how critical was the position of his few remain- 
 ing ships. Yet he remained quite cool, for the heavy guns of 
 the steel monster in whose conning-tower he stood continued 
 thundering forth their projectiles, and the White Ensign still 
 loomed defiantly through the dense black smoke, fluttering in 
 the freshening breeze that was now springing up. 
 
 Although a number of the enemy's vessels had been sunk, 
 he knew the issue must be fatal to his force, for they were 
 now surrounded by a number of ships so vastly superior to 
 them in armament and speed, that to die fighting was their 
 only course. 
 
 Though the cockpits were full, true British indomitable 
 courage was showing itself everywhere on board our ships. 
 Officers by words of encouragement incited their men to 
 splendid heroic deeds, and guns' crews, with dark determined 
 faces, seeing only death ahead, resolved to fight and struggle to 
 
 7
 
 92 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 the last for the honour of the Union Jack, which should never 
 be surmounted by the Tricolor. 
 
 A moment later, the captain, standing with the Admiral, 
 who had just entered the conning-tower of the Royal Sovereign, 
 suddenly uttered a cry of dismay, and with transfixed, horrified 
 gaze pointed with his finger to the sea. 
 
 Breathlessly the Admiral looked in the direction indicated. 
 
 Though one of the bravest men in the Navy, and on his 
 breast he wore the Victoria Cross, his eyes fell upon a sight 
 that appalled him. 
 
 It was a critical moment. 
 
 A small French vessel, the unarmoured crusier Faucon, had 
 crept up unnoticed. The attention of the British officers had 
 been, until that moment, concentrated upon the three powerful 
 battleships, the Requin, the Devastation, and the Jeimqipes, 
 which kept up their hot fire upon the flagship, causing terrible 
 destruction. Now, however, the British Admiral saw himself 
 surrounded by the enemy, and the sight which caused his 
 heart to beat quickly was a distinct line of bubbles upon the 
 water, advancing with terrific speed, showing that a torpedo 
 had been ejected from the Faucon directly at his ship ! 
 
 In the conning-tower all knew their danger, but not a man 
 spoke. Both the Admiral and the captain at the same instant 
 saw the death-dealing projectile advancing, and both retained 
 their coolness and presence of mind. The captain, shouting an 
 order, sprang back and touched one of the electric signals, 
 which was instantly responded to. 
 
 It was the work of a second. The great engines roared 
 and throbbed, and the huge vessel, propelled backwards by its 
 13,000 horse-power, swung steadily round just as the torpedo 
 glanced off her bow obliquely. The crew of the Royal 
 Sovereign had never been nearer death than at that instant. 
 Had the ironclad not halted in her course, the striker of the 
 torpedo would have come square upon her bows, and one of 
 the finest vessels of the British Navy would have probably 
 gone to the bottom. 
 
 The Faucon was not given an opportunity to make a
 
 Battle off Bkaciiy Head 93 
 
 second attempt. The captain of the Anson had witnessed how 
 narrowly the British flagship had escaped, and immediately 
 turned his great guns upon the little vessel, with the result 
 that her quick-firing guns were quickly rendered useless, her 
 hull was torn up like paper, and she slowly sank without 
 offering resistance. 
 
 Shots came from tlie frowning barbettes of tlie Camperdoion, 
 JJcnhow, and the turrets of the Monarch rapidly, the damage 
 and loss of life suffered by the enemy now being enormous. 
 The three French battleships engaging the Royal Sovereign at 
 close quarters received terrible punishment. One of the 
 75-ton guns of the Requin had been rendered useless, her deck 
 had been torn up, and her bulwarks had been carried away, 
 together with her funnel and forward mast. The rear barbette 
 gun of the Jemapyes had been thrown off its mounting, and a 
 shell striking the port side battery, had burst against the 
 forward bulkhead, and wrought horrible destruction among 
 the guns' crews. 
 
 The three powerful French vessels pouring their fire upon 
 the British flagship, and finding themselves being raked by 
 the heavy fire of their adversary, signalled the Tonnerre and 
 Furieux to assist them. Both vessels drew nearer, and soon 
 afterwards commenced pounding at the Royal Sovereign. 
 
 The Anson, however, noticed the dangerous position of the 
 British flagship, and, having manoeuvred adroitly, succeeded in 
 getting under way, and with her great forward guns thunder- 
 ing, she crashed her ram into the Furieux, and sank her, 
 while almost at the same moment a torpedo, discharged from 
 one of the British boats, struck the Tonnerre right amidships, 
 dealing her a blow from which she could never recover. Five 
 minutes later, the Gangut, fighting desperately at close quarters 
 with the Campcrdotun, had part of her armoured casemate 
 blown away, and the British battleship followed up this 
 success by directing a torpedo at her in such a manner that, 
 although she drew back quickly to avoid it, she nevertheless 
 received it right under her stern. Some ammunition on board 
 that vessel also exploded, and the eflect was friglitful, for
 
 94 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 fragments of wood, iron, and human bodies were precipitated 
 in all directions. 
 
 The loss of life, although heavy on the British side, was 
 nevertheless far greater on board the enemy's ships. The 
 continuity and precision of the British fire wrought awful 
 destruction. Between the decks of many of the French and 
 Eussian ships the carnage was frightful. Among wrecked 
 guns and mountings lay headless and armless bodies ; human 
 limbs shattered by shells were strewn in all directions upon 
 decks slippery with blood. The shrieks of the dying were 
 drowned by the roar and crash of the guns, the deafening 
 explosion of shells, and the rending of iron and steel as the 
 projectiles pierced armourplates, destroying everything with 
 which they came in contact. 
 
 The noon had passed, and as the day wore on other 
 catastrophes occurred involving further loss of life. One of 
 these was the accidental ramming of the Sfax by the French 
 battleship Bedoubtahle, which managed, however, to save the 
 greater portion of the crew, although her engines broke down. 
 
 During the afternoon the fire from the British ships seemed 
 to increase rather than diminish, notwithstanding each vessel 
 flying the White Ensign fought more than one of the enemy's 
 ships, and in doing so constantly received shots that spread 
 death and destruction between the decks. Still, amid the 
 blinding smoke, the din of battle, and the constant roaring of 
 the guns, British bluejackets with smoke-begrimed faces worked 
 enthusiastically for the defence of Old England. Many heroic 
 deeds were performed that memorable afternoon, and many a 
 gallant hero was sent to an untimely grave. 
 
 On board the Royal Sovereign the destruction was frightful. 
 By four o'clock many of the guns had been disabled, half the 
 crew had perished, and the decks ran with the life-blood of 
 Britain's gallant defenders. The captain had been struck upon 
 the forehead by a flying fragment of shell, causing a fearful 
 wound ; yet, with his head enveloped in a hastily improvised 
 bandage, he stuck to his post. He was engaging the RcdouUdble 
 and getting the worst of it, when suddenly, having manoeuvred
 
 Battle off Beaciiy Head 95 
 
 once or twice, he turned to his lieutenant, saying, " Lay guns, 
 ahead full speed, and prepare to ram." The officer addressed 
 transmitted the order, and a few moments later, as her guns 
 thundered forth, the bows of the Royal Sovereign entered the 
 broadside of the French ship witli a loud crash, ripping her 
 almost in half 
 
 Backing again quickly as the i2cf?o?(&to5^« sank, she suddenly 
 received a shock which made her reel and shiver. A shell from 
 the llussian flagship had struck under her stern barbette, but, 
 failing to penetrate the armour, glanced off into the sea. 
 
 Fiercer and more fierce became the fight. A well-directed 
 shot from one of the 67-ton guns on the Anson's rear barbette 
 struck the conning-tower of the Magenta, blowing it away, 
 killing the captain and those who were directing the vessel. 
 
 The sun was sinking, but the battle still raged with unabated 
 fury. Each side struggled desperately for the mastery. The 
 British, fighting nobly against what had all along been over- 
 whelming odds, had succeeded in sinking some of the enemy's 
 finest ships, and inflicting terrible loss upon the crews of the 
 others; yet the British Admiral, on viewing the situation, 
 was compelled to admit that he was outnumbered, and that a 
 continuance of the struggle would inevitably result in the loss 
 of other of his ships. There still remained three of the enemy's 
 vessels to each one of the British. His ships were all more or 
 less crippled, therefore a successful stand against the still over- 
 whelming force would be sheer madness. He was not the sort 
 of man to show the white feather ; nevertheless a retreat upon 
 Portsmouth had now become a matter of policy, and the Royal 
 Sovereign a few minutes later ran up signals intimating to the 
 other vessels her intention. 
 
 As the British Squadron moved away down Channel the 
 hoarse exultant shouts of the enemy filled the air. But the fight- 
 ing became even more desperate, and for over an hour there was 
 a most exciting chase. The running fire did little harm to the 
 retreating ships, but their stern guns played terrible havoc with 
 the French and Russian torpedo boats, which were picked off 
 one after another with remarkable rapidity.
 
 96 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Off Littlehampton one of the Russian ships ran up signals, 
 and immediately the enemy's ships slackened. Apparently 
 they had no desire to follow further west, for after a few parting 
 shots they turned and stood away up Channel again, while the 
 surviving ships of the Ihitish Squadron steamed onward in the 
 blood-red track of the dying day. 
 
 At their head was the Royal Sovereign, battered, and bearing 
 marks of the deadly strife ; but bright against the clear, calm 
 evening sky, the British flag, half of which had been shot away, 
 still fluttered out in the cool breeze of sunset. 
 
 The British Lion had shown his teeth. Alas, that our Navy 
 should have been so weak ! Several of the ships had had their 
 engines severely damaged or broken, but our margin of addi- 
 tional strength was so small that we had no vessels wherewith 
 to replace those compelled to return to port. 
 
 The struggle in this, the first naval battle in the defence of 
 our Empire, had been desperate, and the loss of life appalling. 
 
 The First Act of the most sanguinary drama of modern 
 nations had closed. 
 
 What would be its denouement 'i
 
 BOOK II 
 
 THE STRUGGLE 
 
 er
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE DOOM OF HULL. 
 
 N Hull forty-eight long weary hours of anxious 
 suspense and breathless excitement had passed. 
 The night was dark, the sky overcast, and there 
 was in the air that oppressive sultry stillness 
 precursory of a storm. 
 
 Church clocks had chimed ten, yet most of 
 the shops were still open, and the well-lighted streets of the 
 drab old Yorkshire town were filled by a pale-faced, terror- 
 stricken crowd surging down the thoroughfares towards the 
 Victoria Pier. A panic had suddenly been created an hour 
 before by the issue of an extra-special edition of the Hull 
 evening paper, the Daily News, containing a brief telegram 
 in large type, as follows : — 
 
 The Coastguard at Donna Nook report that a strong force of Russian war 
 vessels, including the turret-ship Sevastopol and the barbette-ships Sinope and 
 Cizoi Veliky, have just hove in sight and are making for the Humber. Lloyd's 
 signal station on Spurn Point has also intimated that hostile ships coming 
 from the south are lying-to just beyond the Lightship. 
 
 The papers sold more quickly than they could be printed, 
 a shilling each being given for copies by the excited 
 townspeople, who now, for the first time, suddenly realised 
 that the enemy was upon them. Men and boys witli 
 bundles of limp papers, damp from the press, rushed 
 along Whitefriargate, away in every direction into the 
 suburbs, shouting the appalHng intelligence in hoarse,
 
 loo The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 strident tones that awoke the echoes of the quieter thorough- 
 fares. 
 
 Now, even as purchasers of papers read the few lines of 
 print under tlie dim uncertain hght of street lanips, the dull 
 booming of distant guns fell upon their ears, and the populace, 
 wildly excited, made their way with one accord towards the 
 Victoria Pier, to glean the latest news, and ascertain the true 
 significance of the repeated firing. 
 
 Was Hull in danger ? Would the enemy advance up the 
 river and bombard the town ? These all-important questions 
 were on every one's tongue, and as the thousands of all classes 
 rushed hither and thither, wild rumours of the enemy's inten- 
 tions spread and increased the horror. 
 
 Within an hour of the publication of the first intimation 
 of the presence of the invaders the excitement had become 
 intense, and the narrow streets and narrower bridges had 
 become congested by a terror-stricken multitude. Time after 
 time the thunder of heavy guns shook the town, causing 
 windows to clatter, and the people standing on the pier and 
 along the riverside strained their eyes into the cavernous 
 darkness towards the sea. But they could discern nothing. 
 Across at New Holland, two miles away, lamps twinkled, but 
 the many lights — red, white, and green — that stud the broad 
 river for the guidance of the mariner had, since the Declaration 
 of War, been extinguished. The familiar distant lights that 
 had never failed to shine seaward at Salt End and Thorngum- 
 bald no longer shed their radiance, and from the revolving 
 lights at Spurn no stream of brilliancy now flashed away upon 
 the rolling waters of the North Sea. The buoys had been cut 
 adrift, the Bull Liglitsliip taken from her moorings, and the 
 entrance to Grimsby harbour was unillumined. Not a star 
 appeared in the sky, for all was dark, black, and tlireatening. 
 Through the hot, heavy atmosphere the roar of cannon came 
 from the direction of Spurn Point, and as the sounds of the 
 shots fell upon the ears of the anxious watchers, they stood 
 aghast, wondering what would be their destiny. 
 
 The suspense was awful. Men, women, and children, with
 
 The Doom of Hull ioi 
 
 scared faces, stood in groups in the market-place, in Queen 
 Street, and in High Street, discussing the situation. This 
 question, liowever, was already engaging tlie attention of the 
 municipal and military autliorities, for on hearing tlic alarming 
 news the Mayor, with shrewd promptitude, walked quickly 
 to the Town Hall, and held a hurried informal consultation 
 with My. Charles Wilson, Mr. Arthur Wilson, Mr. Richardson, 
 Major Wellsted, Alderman Woodhouse, and a nundjer of alder- 
 men and councillors. All knew the town was in peril. The 
 enemy could have but one object in entering the Humber. 
 Yet it was agreed that no steps could be taken at such brief 
 notice to defend the place. The guardsliip Edinburgh had 
 been withdrawn to form part of the squadron upon which they 
 would be compelled to rely, with the batteries at Pa\dl and the 
 submarine mines. 
 
 It was evident by the firing that an attack upon the British 
 Squadron had commenced. The shadow of impending disaster 
 had fallen. 
 
 Working men, hurrying towards the pier, stopped their 
 leader, Mr. Millington, and tried to learn what was being 
 done, while many of the leading townsfolk were thronged 
 around for information, and were centres of excited groups 
 in Whitefriargate. The boatmen, sharply questioned on every 
 hand, were as ignorant of the state of affairs as those seeking 
 information, so nothing could be done except to wait. 
 
 Women and children of the middle and upper classes, 
 regardless of their destination, were being hurried away by 
 anxious fathers. Every train leaving Hull was filled to over- 
 llowing by those lleeing from the advance of the Russians, and 
 on the roads inland to Beverley, Selby, and Market Weighton 
 crowds of every class hurried away to seek some place of 
 safety. 
 
 Suddenly, just before eleven o'clock, the thousands 
 anxiously peering over the wide, dark waters saw away on 
 the l)ank, three miles distant, two beams of white light, 
 which slowly swept both reaches of the river. 
 
 They were the search-lights of the battery at PauU.
 
 102 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Scarcely had the bright streaks shone out and disappeared 
 when they were followed by a terrific cannonade from the 
 forts, and then, for the first time, those standing on the 
 Victoria Pier could discern the enemy's ships. How many 
 there were it was impossible at that moment to tell, but 
 instantly their guns flashed and thundered at the forts in 
 reply. Far away seaward could also be heard low booming. 
 The enemy's vessels were creeping carefully up the Humber, 
 being compelled to take constant soundings on account of the 
 removal of the buoys, and evidently guided by foreign pilots 
 who had for years been permitted to take vessels up and down 
 the river. 
 
 Moments dragged on like hours, each bringing the town of 
 Hull nearer its fate. The people knew it, but were powerless. 
 They stood awaiting the unknown. 
 
 The Eussian force, besides the three vessels already men- 
 tioned, included the armoured cruiser Dimitri Bonskoi, the 
 central-battery ship Kniaz Pojarshi, the cruiser Pamyat 
 Mcrhuriya, two of the new armoured cruisers, Mezen and 
 Syzran, of the Rurik type, the corvette Eazboynih, the 
 torpedo gunboats Griden and Gaidamak, and the armoured 
 gunboat Gremyastchy, with several torpedo boats. 
 
 The manner in which they had manoeuvred to pass Spurn 
 Point and ascend the river was remarkable, and astounded the 
 officers in the forts at Paull. Tliey, however, were not aware 
 that each captain of those vessels possessed a copy of the 
 British secret code and other important information compiled 
 from the documents filched from the body of the Admiralty 
 messenger by the Count von Beilstein at the Mariners' Eest 
 at Deal ! 
 
 Tlie possession of this secret knowledge, which was, of 
 course, unknown to our Admiralty, enabled the captains of the 
 Eussian vessels to evade sunken hulks and other obstructions, 
 and take some of their ships slowly up the river, bearing well 
 on the Lincolnshire coast, so as to keep, until the last moment, 
 out of the range of the search-lights at Paull. Then, on the 
 first attack from the batteries, they suddenly replied with
 
 The Doom of Hull 103 
 
 such a hail of shell, that from the first moment it was clear 
 tluit the strength of the fort with its obsolete guns was totally 
 inadequate. 
 
 The roar of the cannonade was incessant. Amid the deafen- 
 ing explosions the townspeople of Hull rushed up and down 
 the streets screaming and terrified. Suddenly a great shell 
 fell with a dull thud in Citadel Street, close to a crowd of 
 excited women, and exploding a second later, blew a number 
 of them to atoms, and wrecked the fronts of several houses. 
 
 This served to increase the panic. The people were on the 
 verge of madness with fright and despair. Thousands seized 
 their money and jewellery and fled away upon the roads 
 leading to the country. Others hid away their valuables, and 
 preferred to remain ; the crisis had come, and as Britons they 
 determined to face it. 
 
 While the Russian ships, lying broadside-on in positions 
 carefully selected to avoid the electro-contact mines, poured 
 their terrible fire upon the land battery at PauU, their torpedo 
 boats darted hither and thither with extraordinary rapidity. 
 Several were sunk by shots from the battery, but four piquet 
 boats in the darkness at last managed to creep up, and after 
 searching, seized the cable connecting the mines with the 
 Submarine Mining Station at Paull. 
 
 This was discovered just at the critical moment by means 
 of one of the British search-lights, and upon the hostile boats 
 a frightful cascade of projectiles was poured by the quick-firing 
 guns of the battery. 
 
 But it was, alas, too late ! The cable had been cut. To 
 the whole of the wires a small electric battery had in a moment 
 been attached, and as the guns of the fort crashed out there 
 were a series of dull explosions under the bed of the river 
 across the channel from Foul Holme Sand to Killingholme 
 Haven, and from Paull Coastguard Station to the Skitter. 
 
 _ The dark water rose here and there. The whole of the 
 mines had been simultaneously fired ! 
 
 Cheers rang out from the Russian vessels, sounding above 
 the heavy cannonade. The destruction of this most important
 
 104 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 portion of the defences of the Huinber had been accomplished 
 by the boats just at the very instant when they were shattered 
 by British sliells, and ere the waters grew cahn again the 
 hist vestige of tlie boats had disappeared. The officers at Paull 
 worked on with undaunted courage, striving by every means 
 in their power to combat with the superior forces. In a 
 measure, too, they were successful, for such havoc did the 
 shells play with the gunboat Gremyastchy that she slowly 
 foundered, and her crew were compelled to abandon her. A 
 portion of the men were rescued by the Syzran, but two boat- 
 loads were precipitated into the water, and nearly all were 
 drowned. Two of the big guns of the Dimitri Donshoi were 
 disabled, and the loss of life on several of the ships was 
 considerable. Nevertheless the firing was still incessant. 
 Time after time the 9-ton guns of the Kniaz Pojarslci and the 
 four 13J-tonners of the 3Iezen threw their terrible missiles 
 upon the defences at Paull with frightful effect, until at length, 
 after a most desperate, stubborn resistance on the part of the 
 British commander of the battery, and after half the defending 
 force had been killed, the guns suddenly ceased. 
 
 Both land and sea defences had been broken down ! The 
 Eussians were now free to advance upon Hull ! 
 
 Not a moment was lost. Ten minutes after the guns of 
 Paull had been silenced, the enemy's ships, moving very 
 cautiously forward, opened a withering fire upon the town. 
 
 The horrors of that bombardment were frightful. At the 
 moment of the first shots, fired almost simultaneously from the 
 two big guns of the Syzran, the panic became indescribable. 
 Both shells burst with loud detonations and frightfully de- 
 vastating effect. The first, striking one of the domes of the 
 Dock Office, carried it bodily away, at the same time killing 
 several persons ; while the other, crashing upon the Exchange, 
 unroofed it, and blew away the colossal statue of Britannia 
 which surmounted the parapet on the corner. Surely this was 
 an omen of impending disaster ! 
 
 Ere the horrified inliabitants could again draw breath, the 
 air was rent by a terrific crash, as simultaneously flame rushed
 
 io6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 from the guns of the Kniaz Pojarski, the Pamyat Mcrkuriya, 
 and the Mczen, and great shells were hurled into the town in 
 every direction. The place trembled and shook as if struck 
 by an earthquake, and everywhere walls fell and buildings 
 collapsed. 
 
 Long bright beams of the search-lights swept the town 
 and neighbouring country, lighting up the turbulent streets 
 like day, and as the crowds rushed headlong from the liver, 
 shot and shell struck in their midst, killing hundreds of 
 starving toilers and unoffending men, women, and children. 
 
 Lying off Salt End, the Gizoi Velihy, which had now come 
 up the river in company with two torpedo boats, poured from 
 her barbette a heavy fire upon the Alexandra Dock and Earle's 
 shipbuilding yard, while the other vessels, approaching nearer, 
 wrought terrible destruction with every shot in various other 
 parts of the town. In the course of a quarter of an hour 
 many streets were impassable, owing to the fallen buildings, 
 and in dozens of places the explosion of the melinite shells had 
 set on fire the ruined houses. 
 
 Missiles hurled from such close quarters by such heavy 
 guns wrought the most fearful havoc. Naturally, the Eussian 
 gunners, discovering the most prominent buildings with their 
 search-lights, aimed at them and destroyed many of the public 
 edifices. 
 
 Among the first prominent structures to topple and fall 
 was the Wilberforce Monument, and then, in rapid succession, 
 shots carried away another dome of the Dock Office, and 
 the great square towers of St. John's and Holy Trinity 
 Churches. The gaudily gilded equestrian statue of King 
 William IIL was flung from its pedestal and smashed by a 
 heavy shot, which entered a shop opposite, completely wreck- 
 ing it; and two shells, striking the handsome offices of the 
 Hull Banking Company at the corner of Silver Street, reduced 
 the building to a heap of ruihs. Deadly shells fell in quick 
 succession in Paragon Street, and at the North-Eastern Eailway 
 Station, where the lines and platforms were torn up, and the 
 Station Hotel, being set on fire, was soon burning fiercely, for
 
 The Doom of Hull 107 
 
 the flames spread unchecked here, as in every other quarter. 
 Church spires fell crashing into neighbouring houses, whole 
 rows of shops were demolished in Whitefriargate, High Street, 
 and Saville .Street, and roads were everywhere torn up by the 
 enemy's exploding missiles. 
 
 Not for a moment was there a pause in this awful work of 
 destruction ; not for a moment was the frightful massacre of 
 the inhabitants suspended. The enemy's sole object was 
 apparently to weaken the northern defences of London by 
 drawing back the Volunteer battalions to the north. There 
 was no reason to bombard after the fort had been silenced, 
 yet they had decided to destroy the town and cause the most 
 widespread desolation possible. 
 
 Flame Hashed from the muzzles of those great desolating 
 guns so quickly as to appear like one brilliant, incessant light. 
 Shells from the Cizoi Veliky fell into the warehouses around 
 the Alexandra Dock, and these, with the fine new grain ware- 
 houses on each side of the river Hull, were blazing furiously 
 with a terrible roar. High into the air great tongues of fiame 
 leaped, their volume increased by the crowd of ships in the 
 dock also igniting in rapid succession, shedding a lurid glare 
 over the terrible scene, and lighting up the red, angry sky. 
 The long range of warehouses, tilled with inllammable goods, 
 at the edge of the Albert and William Wright Docks, were on 
 fire, while the warehouses of the Eailway Dock, together with 
 a large number of Messrs. Thomas Wilson's fine steamers, were 
 also in flames. Such a hold had the flames obtained that no 
 power could arrest them, and as the glare increased it was seen 
 by those flying for their lives that the whole of the port was 
 now involved. 
 
 The great petroleum stores of the Anglo- American Com- 
 pany, struck by a shell, exploded a few moments later with a 
 most terrific and frightful detonation which shook the town. 
 For a moment it seemed as if both town and river were 
 enveloped in one great sheet of flame, then, as blazing oil ran 
 down the gutters on every side, fierce fires showed, and whole 
 streets were alight from end to end. 
 8
 
 io8 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Hundreds of persons perished in the flames, hundreds were 
 shot down by the fragments of flying missiles, and hundreds 
 more were buried under falling ruins. Everywhere the roar 
 of flames mingled with the shrieks of the dying. Shells 
 striking the Royal Infirmary burst in the wards, killing many 
 patients in their beds, and setting fire to the building, while 
 others, crashing through tlie roof of the Theatre Royal, carried 
 away one of the walls and caused the place to ignite. One 
 shot from the 13-ton gun of the Syzran tore its way into 
 the nave of Holy Trinity Church, and, exploding, blew out the 
 three beautiful windows and wrecked the interior, while 
 another from the same gun demolished one of the corner 
 buildings of the new Market Hall. The handsome tower of 
 the Town Hall, struck by a shell just under the dial, came 
 down with a frightful crash, completely blocking Lowgate with 
 its ddbris, and almost at the same instant a shot came through 
 the dome of the Council Chamber, totally destroying the 
 apartment. 
 
 The Mariners' Hospital and Trinity House suffered terribly, 
 many of the inmates of the former being blown to pieces. 
 One shot completely demolished the Savings Bank at the 
 corner of George Street, and a shell exploding under the portico 
 of the Great Thornton Street Chapel blew out the whole of its 
 dark fac^ade. Another, striking the extensive premises of a 
 firm of lead merchants at the corner of Brook and Paragon 
 Streets, swept away the range of buildings like grass before 
 the scythe. 
 
 In the Queen's, Humber, Victoria, and Prince's Docks the 
 congested crowd of idle merchant ships were enveloped in 
 flames that wrapped themselves about the rigging, and, crack- 
 ling, leaped skyward. The Orphanage at Spring Bank, the 
 Artillery Barracks, and Wilberforce House were all burning ; 
 in fact, in the course of the two hours during which the bom- 
 bardment lasted hardly a building of note escaped. 
 
 The liouses of the wealthy residents far away up Spring 
 Bank, Anlaby and Beverley Roads, and around Pearson's Park, 
 had been shattered and demolished ; the shops in Saville Street
 
 The Doom of Hull 109 
 
 had without exception been destroyed, and both the Cannon 
 Street and Pier Stations had been eompletely wrecked and 
 unroofed. 
 
 Soon after two o'clock in the niorninif, wlieu the llussian 
 war vessels ceased their thunder, the whole town was as one 
 huge furnace, the intense heat and suflocating smoke from 
 which caused the Kussian Admiral to move, his vessels towards 
 the sea as (quickly as the necessary soundings allowed. 
 
 The glare lit tlie sky for many miles around. The immense 
 area of great burning buildings presented a magnificent, appal- 
 ling spectacle. 
 
 It was a terrible national disaster — a frightful holocaust, 
 in which thousands of lives, with property worth millions, had 
 been wantonly destroyed by a ruthless enemy which Britain's 
 defective and obsolete defences were too weak to keep at bay 
 — a devastating catastrophe, swift, complete, awful.
 
 CHAPTEK XVI. 
 
 TERROR ON THE TYNE. 
 
 NGLAND was thrilled, dismayed, petrified. The 
 wholesale massacre at Eastbourne and the 
 terrible details of the bombardment of Hull had 
 spread increased horror everywhere throughout 
 the land. 
 
 Terror reigned on the Tyneside, Hospitals, 
 asylums, and public institutions, crowded with affrighted 
 inmates, had no food to distribute. In Newcastle, in Shields, 
 in Jarrow, and in Gateshead the poor were idle and hungry, 
 while the wealthy were feverishly apprehensive. A Sabbath 
 quiet had fallen on the great silent highway of the Tyne. In 
 those blazing days and breathless nights there was an unbroken 
 stillness that portended dire disaster. 
 
 In the enormous crowded districts on each side of the 
 river the gaunt spectre Starvation stalked through the cheer- 
 less homes of once industrious toilers, and the inmates pined 
 and died. So terrible was the distress already, that domestic 
 pets were being killed and eaten, dogs and cats being no un- 
 common dish, the very offal thrown aside being greedily 
 devoured by those slowly succumbing to a horrible death. 
 Awful scenes of suffering and blank despair were being 
 witnessed on every side. 
 
 Three days after the enemy had ascended the Humber and 
 dealt such a decisive blow at Hull, the port of South Shields 
 was suddenly alarmed by information telegraphed from the 
 
 no
 
 Terror on the Tyne iii 
 
 Coastguard on Ilarton Down Hill, about a mile south of the 
 town, to the efiect that they had sighted a number of French 
 and Eussian ships. 
 
 Panic at once ensued. The broad market-place was filled 
 by a terror-stricken crowd of townspeople, while tlie seafaring 
 population surged down King Street and Ocean Eoad, across 
 the park to the long South Pier at the entrance to the Tyne, 
 eager to reassure themselves that the enemy had no designs 
 upon their town. 
 
 In the dull red afterglow that lit up the broad bay of 
 golden sand between Trow Point and the pier, a huge vessel 
 suddenly loomed dark upon the sky line, and, as she approached, 
 those watching anxiously through glasses made her out as the 
 great steel turret-ship Lazare Carnot, flying the French Tricolor. 
 Immediately following her came a number of cruisers, gun- 
 boats, and torpedo boats. They included the Dimitri Donskoi, 
 the Kniaz Pojarski, the Pamyat Merkuriya, the Mezen, the 
 Syzran, the Griden, and the Gaidamah, all of which had taken 
 part in the attack on Hull, while they had now been joined by 
 the French battleships Mass4na and Neptune, the small cruisers 
 Cosamo, Bcsaix, D'Estaing, Coetlogon, and Zalande, the torpedo 
 gunboats Iberville, Lance, L'eger, and Fl6che, and the gunvessels 
 Etoile, Fulton, Gabes, Sayittaire, and Vipdre, with a large 
 number of torpedo boats and " catchers," in addition to those 
 which were at Hull. 
 
 As the vessels steamed onward at full speed, the people 
 rushed from the pier back again into the town in wild dis- 
 order, while the Coastguard at Spanish Battery on the north 
 shore of the estuary, having now discovered the presence of 
 the menacing ships, at once telegraphed the intelligence up to 
 Newcastle, where the most profound sensation was immediately 
 caused. The news spread everywhere, and the people on the 
 Tyneside knew that the hand of the oppressor was upon 
 them. 
 
 Suddenly, without warning, smoke tumbled over the bows 
 of the Lazare Carnot. There was a low boom, and one of the 
 ponderous guns in her turret sent forth an enormous shell,
 
 112 The Great War in England in 1S97 
 
 which struck the battery at Trow Point, blowing away a 
 portion of a wall. 
 
 A moment later the battery replied with their 9-tonners, 
 sending forth shot after shot, most of which, however, ricochetted 
 away over the glassy sea. It was the signal for a fight which 
 quickly became desperate. 
 
 In a few moments half a dozen of the ships lay broadside 
 on, and the great guns of the Massdna and JV^epticnc, with those 
 of four other vessels, opened a terrible fire upon the fort, casting 
 their shells upon the British gunners with frightful effect. 
 
 In the battery the Armstrong disappearing guns were 
 worked to their utmost capacity, and the shots of the defenders 
 played havoc with the smaller craft, three torpedo boats and 
 a "catcher" being sunk in as many minutes. 
 
 Meanwhile the Active, Bonavcnturc, Cambrian, Canada, and 
 Archer of the Eeserve Squadron, now on its way from the north 
 of Scotland in consequence of orders from the Admiralty 
 having reached it, rounded Sharpness Point, and steamed full 
 upon the enemy's ships. 
 
 The conflict was fierce, but quickly ended. 
 
 Heavy fire was kept up from the fort at Tynemouth, from 
 Spanish Battery, from Trow Battery, and from several new 
 batteries with disappearing guns between the Groyne and the 
 quarry at Trow, that had been constructed and manned since 
 the mobilisation by Volunteers, consisting of the 1st New- 
 castle Volunteer Engineers, the 3rd Durham Volunteer 
 Artillery, and the 4th Durham Light Infantry from Newcastle. 
 Nevertheless the assistance received by the British ships from 
 the land was of but little avail, for a Eussian torpedo boat 
 sent forth its messenger of death at the third-class cruiser 
 Canada, blowing her up, while the engines of both the Active 
 and Bonaventure were so seriously damaged as to be practically 
 useless. Eapid signalling by the semaphore at Spanish 
 Battery had placed the defenders on the alert, and although 
 the British were suffering so heavily on account of their 
 minority, still the enemy were everywhere feeling the effect 
 of the hot and unexpected reception.
 
 Terror on the Tyne 
 
 113 
 
 Before liiilf ;ai hour luul ]>iissed two Eussian gunboats had 
 been torpedoed, and the French cruiser UEstainrj, having 
 caught fire, was burning furiously, many of her crew perishing 
 at their guns. 
 
 The Lazare Carnot and the Mass&aa, heedless of the fire 
 from the shore, steamed at half speed across the estuary until 
 they were opposite the Tynemouth Battery, when they suddenly 
 opened fire, being quickly joined by six French and Paissiaii 
 
 irAP OF THE TYNE DISTKICT. 
 
 cruisers. In the meantime the contact mines were being 
 blown up by piquet boats, who, although suffering heavily 
 from the fire from the shore, nevertheless continued their task. 
 It was then seen how utterly inadequate were the defences of 
 the Tyne, and what negligence had been displayed on the part 
 of the War Office in not providing at Tynemouth adequate 
 means of warding oH' or successfully coping with an attack. 
 
 From behind the tall grey lighthouse a few guns were 
 thundering, but in face of the overwhelming force at sea it 
 was but a sorry attempt. One shot from the battery severely 
 damaged the superstructure of the Lazare Carnot, another cut
 
 114 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 through the funnel of the Neptune, carrying it away, and a 
 third entering the magazine of one of the small cruisers caused 
 it to explode with serious loss of life. Yet the devastating 
 effect of the enemy's shells on the obsolete defences of Tyne- 
 mouth was appalling. 
 
 Enclosed in the fortifications were the crumbling ruins of 
 the ancient Priory, with its restored chapel, a graveyard, and 
 an old Castle that had been converted into artillery barracks. 
 As flame and smoke rushed continuously from the barbettes, 
 turrets, and broadsides of the hostile ships, the shots brought 
 down the bare, dark old walls of the Priory, and, crashing into 
 the Castle, played havoc with the building. The lantern _ of 
 the lighthouse, too, was carried away, probably by a shot flying 
 accidentally wide, and every moment death and desolation was 
 being spread throughout the fort. Such a magnificent natural 
 position, commanding as it did the whole estuary of the Tyne, 
 should have been rendered impregnable, yet, as it remained in 
 1894, so it stood on this fatal day, a typical example of War 
 Office apathy and shortsightedness. 
 
 Its guns were a mere make-believe, that gave the place an 
 appearance of strength that it did not possess. In the North 
 Battery, on the left side, commanding a broad sweep of sea 
 beyond Sharpness, only one gun, a 64-pounder, was mounted, 
 the remaining five rotting platforms being unoccupied ! At the 
 extreme point, to command the mouth of the river, a single 
 5-tonner was placed well forward with great ostentation, its 
 weight, calibre, and other details having been painted up in 
 conspicuous white letters, for the delectation of an admiring 
 pubhc admitted to view the Priory. The South Battery, a trifle 
 stronger,' was, nevertheless, a sheer burlesque, its weakness 
 being a disgrace to the British nation. In fact, in the whole 
 of the battery the upper defences had long been known to 
 experts to be obsolete, and the lower ones totally inadequate 
 for the resistance they should have been able to ofter. 
 
 Was it any wonder, then, that the shells of the enemy 
 should cause such frightful destruction ? Among the British 
 artillerymen there was no lack of courage, for they exerted
 
 Terror on the Tyne 115 
 
 every muscle iii their gallant efforts to repulse the foe. Yet, 
 hanilicapped as they were by lack of efficient arms and pro- 
 perly constructed fortifications, their heroic struggles were 
 futile, and they sacrificed their lives to no purpose. The 
 deadly hail from tlie floating monsters swept away the whole 
 of the ancient Priory walls, demolishing the old red l)rick 
 barracks, blowing up the Castle gateway, wrecking the guard- 
 room, and igniting the Priory Chapel. The loss of life was 
 terrible, the whole of the men manning the 5-ton gun point- 
 ing seaward having been killed by a single shell that burst 
 among them, while everywhere else men of the lioyal Artillery, 
 and those of the Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery, who were 
 assisting, were killed or maimed by the incessant rain of 
 projectiles. 
 
 Night clouds gathered black and threatening, and it ap- 
 peared as if the enemy were carrying all before them. The 
 French battleship Neptune, seeing the guns of all three batteries 
 had been considerably weakened, was steaming slowly into the 
 mouth of the Tyne, followed by the Eussian cruiser Syzran, 
 when suddenly two terrific explosions occurred, shaking both 
 North and South Shields to their very foundations. High into 
 the air the water rose, and it was then seen that two sub- 
 marine mines had been exploded simultaneously by electric 
 current from the Tynemouth Battery, and that both vessels 
 had been completely blown up. Such was the force of the 
 explosion, that the hull of the Neptune, a great armour-clad of 
 over ten thousand tons, had been ripped up like paper, and of her 
 crew scarcely a man escaped, while the cruiser had been com- 
 pletely broken in half, and many of her crew blown to atoms. 
 Scarcely had this success of the defenders been realised when 
 it was followed by another, for a second later a British torpedo 
 boat succeeded in blowing up with all hands tlie French 
 torpedo gunboat Lance. 
 
 These reverses, however, caused but little dismay among 
 the invaders, for ere long the British cruisers had been driven 
 off, the guns at Trow had been silenced, while those at Spanish 
 Battery and Tynemouth could only keep up a desultory fire.
 
 ii6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Then, in the falling gloom, ship after ship, guided by foreign 
 pilots, and carefully evading a number of hulks that had been 
 placed near the estuary, entered the Tyne, pouring forth their 
 heavy monotonous fire into North Shields and South Shields, 
 Skilfully as the despairing defenders managed their submarine 
 mines, they only succeeded in destroying three more of the 
 enemy's ships, the French torpedo gunboats Iberville and 
 Cassini and the cruiser Desaix, the crews perishing. 
 
 Not for a moment was there a cessation of the cannonade 
 as the smaller ships of the enemy advanced up the river, and 
 the damage wrought by their shells was enormous. Tynemoutli 
 had already suftercd heavily, many of the streets being in 
 flames. The tower of St. Saviour's Church had fallen, the 
 conspicuous spire of the Congregational Chapel had been shot 
 away, the Piers Office had been reduced to ruins, and the long 
 building of the Royal Hotel completely wrecked. The houses 
 facing Percy Park had in many cases been shattered, a shell 
 exploding under the archway of the Bath Hotel had demolished 
 it, and the handsome clock tower "at the end of the road had 
 been hurled down and scattered. 
 
 . Slackening opposite the Scarp, the gunboats and cruisers 
 belched forth shot and shell upon North Shields, aiming first 
 at the more conspicuous objects, such as the Sailors' Home, the 
 Custom House, the tall tower of Christ Church, and the Harbour 
 Master's ofHce, either totally destroying them or injuring them 
 irreparably, while the houses on Union Quay and those in 
 Dockway Square and in adjoining streets, from the gasometers 
 down to the Town Hall, were also swept by shells. Eesistance 
 was made from Fort Clifford on the one side of the town, from 
 a position occupied by a battery of the Durham Volunteer 
 Artillery, who had mounted guns on the hill behind Smith's 
 Yard, and also by the submarine mines of the Tyne Division 
 Volunteer Miners; but it was most ineffectual, and, when 
 night fell, hundreds of terror-stricken persons had been killed, 
 and the town was on fire in dozens of places, the flames 
 illuminating the sky with their lurid brilliancy. 
 
 In South Shields tragic scenes were being enacted. Shells
 
 Terror on the Tyne i i 7 
 
 flying about the town from the river on the one side and the 
 sea on the other ex])loded in tlie streets, blowing; unf'ortiniate 
 men, women, and chiklrcn into atoms, wrecking public buildings, 
 and setting fire to the cherished homes of the toilers. The 
 congested blocks of buildings around I'anash Toint were one 
 huge furnace; the Custom House, the Kiver Police Station, 
 and the Plate Glass Works were wrecked, while a shell ex- 
 ploding in one of the petroleum tanks on the Commissioners' 
 Wharf caused it to burst with fearful effect. The queer old 
 turret of St. Hilda's fell with a crash, the Church of St. Stephen 
 was practically demolished, and the school in the vicinity 
 unroofed. Tiie dome of the Marine School was carried bodily 
 away ; nothing remained standing of the Wouldhave Memorial 
 Clock but a few feet of the square lower structure, and the 
 Ingham Infirmary being set on fire, several of the patients 
 lost their lives. Amid this frightful panic, Lieut.-Col. 
 Gowans and Major Carr of the 3rd Durham Artillery, the 
 Mayor, ]\Ir. Eeadhead, Alderman IJennoldson, Councillors Lisle, 
 Marshall, and Stainton, the Town Clerk, Mr. Hayton, and the 
 Eev. H. E. Savage, were all consj)icuous for the coolness they 
 displayed. Courage, however, was unavailing, for South Shields 
 was at the mercy of the invaders, and all defence was feeble 
 and futile. Hundreds of the townspeople were killed by flying 
 fragments of shells, hundreds more were buried in the debris 
 of tottering buildings, while those who survived fled horror- 
 stricken with their valuables away into the country, beyond the 
 range of the enemy's fire. 
 
 The horrors of Hull were being repeated. The streets ran 
 with the life-blood of unoilending British citizens. 
 
 As evening wore on, the invaders came slowly up the Tyne, 
 heedless of the strenuous opposition with which tlujy were met 
 by Volunteer Artillery, wlio, having establislicd batteries on 
 various positions between Shields and Newcastle, poured a hot 
 fire upon them. Advancing, their terrible guns spread death 
 and destruction on either bank. 
 
 The crowds of idle shipping in the great Tyne Dock at 
 South Shields, and those in the Albert Edward and Northum-
 
 ii8 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 berland Docks on the north bank, together with the staiths, 
 warehouses, and offices, were blazing furiously, while the Tyne 
 Commissioners' great workshops, Edwards' Shipbuilding Yard, 
 and many other factories and shipbuilding yards, were either 
 set on fire or seriously damaged. 
 
 Many of the affrighted inhabitants of North Shields sought 
 refuge in the railway tunnel, and so escaped, but hundreds lost 
 their lives in the neighbourhood of Wallsend and Percy Main. 
 
 Shells fell in Swinburne's brass foundry at Carville, 
 destroying tlie buildings, together with the Carville Hotel 
 and the railway viaduct between that place and Howdon. 
 
 The Wallsend Eailway Station and the Theatre of Varieties 
 were blown to atoms, and the houses both at High and Low 
 Walker suffered severely, while opposite at Jarrow enormous 
 damage was everywhere caused. At the latter place the 1st 
 Durham Volunteer Engineers rendered excellent defensive 
 service under Lieut.-Col. Price and Major Forneaux, and the 
 Mayor was most energetic in his efforts to insure the safety of 
 the people. A submarine mine had been laid opposite 
 Hebburn, and, being successfully exploded, blew to atoms the 
 French gunboat Gates, and at the same time seriously injured 
 the propeller of the cruiser Cosamo. This vessel subsequently 
 broke down, and a second mine fired from the shore destroyed 
 her also. Nevertheless the invaders steadily advanced up the 
 broad river, blowing up obstacles, dealing decisive blows, and 
 destroying human life and valuable property with every shot 
 from their merciless weapons. 
 
 The panic that night in Newcastle was terrible. The 
 streets were in a turmoil of excitement, for the reports from 
 Tynemoutli had produced the most intense alarm and dismay. 
 On receipt of the first intelligence the Free Library Committee 
 of the City Council happened to be sitting, and the chairman, 
 Alderman H. W. Newton, the popular representative of All 
 Saints' North, formally announced it to his colleagues, among 
 whom was the Mayor. The connnittee broke up in confusion, 
 and an excited consultation followed, in which Councillors 
 Durnford, Fitzgerald, and Flowers, with Alderman Sutton, took
 
 Terror on the Tyne 119 
 
 part. Capt. NiclioUs, the Chief Constable, Major A. M. Potter 
 of the 1st Northumberland Artillery, Lieut.-Col. Angus of 
 the 1st Newcastle Volunteer Artillery, Lieut.-Col. Palmer and 
 Major Emley of the Volunteer Engineers, Mr. Hill Motum, 
 and Mr. Joseph Cowen also entered the room and engaged in 
 the discussion. 
 
 At such a hasty informal meeting, nothing, however, could 
 be done. The Mayor and Councillors were assured by the 
 Volunteer officers that everything possible under the circum- 
 stances had been arranged for the defence of the Tyne. 
 Property worth millions was at stake, and now that the news 
 had spread from mouth to mouth the streets around the Town 
 Hall were filled with crowds of excited, breathless citizens, 
 anxious to know what steps were being taken to insure their 
 protection. 
 
 So loudly did they demand information, that the Mayor 
 was compelled to appear for a moment and address a few 
 words to them, assuring them that arrangements had been 
 made which he hoped would be found adequate to repel the foe. 
 This appeased them in a measure, and the crowd dispersed ; 
 but in the other thoroughfares the excitement was intensified, 
 and famished thousands rushed aimlessly about, many goincr 
 out upon the High Level and Low Level Bridges and straining 
 their eyes down the river in endeavour to catch a glimpse of 
 the enemy. 
 
 Heavy and continuous firing could be heard as the dark 
 evening dragged on, and presently, just before nine o'clock, the 
 anxious ones upon the bridges saw the flash of guns as the 
 invading vessels rounded the sharp bend of the river at the 
 ferry beyond Eotterdam Wharf. 
 
 The sight caused the people to rush panic-stricken up into 
 the higher parts of Newcastle or across the bridges into Gates- 
 head, and from both towns a rapid exodus was taking place, 
 thousand fleeing into the country. Prom gun- vessels, torpedo 
 gunboats, and cruisers, shot and shell poured in continuous 
 streams into the wharves, shipping, and congested masses of 
 houses on either bank.
 
 I20 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 The houses along City Eoad, St. Lawrence Eoad, Quality 
 Row, and Byker Bank, on the outskirts of Newcastle, suffered 
 severely, while shots damaged the great Ouseburn Viaduct, 
 wrecked St. Dominic's Eoman Catholic Chapel, and blew away 
 the roof of the new Board School, a prominent feature of the 
 landscape. 
 
 Several shells fell and exploded in Jesmond Vale. One 
 burst and set fire to the Sandyford Brewery, and one or two fall- 
 ing in Portland Road caused widespread destruction and terrible 
 loss of life. The London and Hamburg Wharves, with the 
 shipping lying near, were soon blazing furiously, and all along 
 Quay Side, right up to the Guildhall, shops and offices were 
 every moment being destroyed and swept away. New Green- 
 wich and South Shore on the Gateshead side were vigorously 
 attacked, and many shots fired over the Salt Marshes fell in 
 the narrow thoroughfares that lie between Sunderland Road 
 and Brunswick Street. 
 
 Upon the enemy's ships the Volunteer batteries on the 
 commanding positions on either side of the high banks poured 
 a galling fire, one battery at the foot of the Swing Bridge on 
 the Gateshead side effecting terrible execution. Their guns 
 liad been well laid, and the salvoes of shell played about the 
 French gun-vessels and torpedo boats, causing frightful de- 
 struction among the crews. Both Newcastle and Gateshead, 
 lying so much higher than the river, were in a certain measure 
 protected, and the high banks afforded a wide command over 
 the waterway. At various points, including the entrances to 
 the High Level Bridge, at the Side, the Close, New Chatham, 
 and the Rabbit Banks, the Volunteers had opened fire, and 
 were keeping up a terrible cannonade. The dark river reflected 
 the red light which flashed forth every moment from gun 
 muzzles, while searcli-lights from both ships and shore were 
 constantly streaming forth, and the thunder of war shook the 
 tall factory chimneys to their very foundations. 
 
 Heedless of the strenuous opposition, the invading ships 
 kept up a vigorous fire, which, aimed high, fell in the centre of 
 Newcastle with most appalling effect. In the midst of the
 
 Terror on the Tyne 121 
 
 crowds in Newgate and Pilgrim Streets shells exploded, blow- 
 ing dozens of British citizens to atoms and tearing out the 
 fronts of shops. One projectile, aimed at the strangely shaped 
 tower of St. Nicholas' Cathedral, struck it, and swept away 
 the thin upper portion, and another, crashing into the sloping 
 roof of the grim, time-mellowed relic Black Gate, shattered it, 
 and tore away part of the walls. 
 
 The old castle and the railway bridge were also l)lown up 
 in the earlier stages of the bombardment, and the square tower 
 of St. John's fell with a sudden crash right across the street, 
 completely blocking it. Erom end to end Grainger Street was 
 swept by French melinite shells, which, bursting in rapid 
 succession, filled the air with tiny flying fragments, each as 
 fatal as a bullet fired from a ritle. The French shell is much 
 more formidable than ours, for, while the latter breaks into 
 large pieces, the former is broken up into tiny and exceedingly 
 destructive fragments. 
 
 In the midst of this terrible panic a shot cut its way 
 through the Earl Grey Monument, causing it to fall, many 
 persons being crushed to death beneath the stones, while both 
 the Central Exchange and the Theatre Eoyal were now alight, 
 shedding a brilliant glare skyward. 
 
 At this time, too, the whole of Quay Side was a mass of 
 roaring, crackling llames, the thin spire of St. Mary's Eoman 
 Catholic Cathedral had been shot away, Bainbridge's great 
 emporium was blazing furiously, and the Art Club premises 
 had taken fire. One shot had fallen at the back of the Town 
 Hall, and torn an enormous hole in the wall, while another, 
 entering the first floor of the County Hotel, had burst with 
 awful force, and carried away the greater part of its gloomy 
 facade. 
 
 In the Central Station opposite, dozens of shells had 
 exploded, and it was now on fire, hopelessly involved together 
 with the adjoining Station Hotel. The gi^ey front of the 
 imposing Chronicle building had been wrecked by a shell that 
 had descended upon the roof, and a row of dark old-fashioned 
 houses in Eldon Sauare had been demolished.
 
 122 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 The same fate had been shared by the Co-operative Whole- 
 sale Society's warehouse, the Fish Market, the Journal office, 
 aud both the Crown and M^tropole Hotels at the bottom of 
 Clayton Street. 
 
 Yet the firing continued ; the terrified citizens were granted 
 no quarter. The Eoyal Arcade was blown to atoms, the new 
 red brick buildings of the Prudential Assurance Company 
 were set on fire, and were blazing with increasing fury. The 
 building of the North British and Mercantile Assurance Com- 
 pany, the Savings Bank at the corner of Newgate Street, and 
 the Empire Theatre were wrecked. Along New Bridge 
 Street dozens of houses were blown to pieces, several fine 
 residences in Ellison Place w^ere utterly demolished and 
 blocked the roadway with their debris, and the whole city, 
 from the river up to Brandling Village, was swept time after 
 time by salvoes of devastating shots. Eows of houses fell, 
 and in hundreds the terrified people were massacred. Away 
 over the Nun's Moor shells were hurled and burst, and 
 others were precipitated into the great Armstrong works at 
 Elswick. 
 
 Suddenly, in the midst of the incessant thunder, a series of 
 terrific explosions occurred, and the great High Level Bridge 
 collapsed, and fell with an awful crash into the Tyne. The 
 enemy had placed dynamite under the huge brick supports, 
 and blown them up simultaneously. A few moments later the 
 Swing Bridge was treated in similar manner ; but the enemy, 
 under the galling fire from the Volunteer batteries, were now 
 losing frightfully. Many of the new guns at the Elswick 
 works were brought into action, and several ironclads in the 
 course of construction afforded cover to those desperately 
 defending their homes. 
 
 But this blow of the invaders had been struck at a most 
 inopportune moment, and was evidently the result of an order 
 that had been imperfectly understood. It caused them to suffer 
 a greater disaster than they had anticipated. Six torpedo boats 
 and two gun-vessels had passed under the bridge, and, lying off 
 the Haughs, were firing into the Elswick works at the moment
 
 Terror on the Tyne 12 
 
 when the bricltfes were dcinolislied, and tlie debris, falling across 
 the stream, cut off all means of escape. 
 
 The defenders, noticing this, worked on, pounding away at 
 the hostile craft with merciless monotony, until one after 
 another the French and liussians were blown to atoms, and 
 their vessels sank beneath tliem into the dark, swirling 
 waters. 
 
 While this was proceeding, two mines, one opposite Hill 
 Gate, at Clateshead, and the other near the Rotterdam Wharf, 
 on the Newcastle side, were fired by the Volunteer Engineers, 
 who thus succeeded in blowing up two more French gunboats, 
 while the battery at the foot of the Swing Bridge sank two 
 more torpedo boats, and that in front of the Chemical Works at 
 Gateshead sent a shell into the "vitals" of one of the most 
 powerful torpedo gunboats, with the result that she blew up. 
 
 Everywhere the enemy were being cut to pieces. 
 
 Seeing the trap into which their vessels had fallen above 
 the ruined bridges, and feeling that they had caused sufficient 
 damage, they turned, and with their guns still belching forth 
 flame, steamed at half speed back again towards the sea. 
 
 But they were not allowed to escape so easily, for the mines 
 recently laid by the Volunteers were now brought into vipoi'ous 
 play, and in the long reach of the river between High Walker 
 and Wallsend no fewer than six more of the enemy's gun and 
 torpedo boats had their bottoms blown out, and their crews torn 
 limb from limb. 
 
 Flashed throughout the land, the news of the enemy's 
 repulse, though gained at such enormous loss, excited a feeling 
 of profound satisfaction. 
 
 The injury inflicted on the invaders had been terrible, and 
 from that attack upon the Tyne they had been hurled reeling 
 back the poorer by the loss of a whole fleet of torpedo and gun 
 boats, one of the most effective arms of their squadrons, while 
 the sea had closed over one of France's proudest battleships, 
 the NcptHnc, and no fewer than four of her cruisers. 
 
 The surviving vessels, which retreated round the Black 
 Middens and gained the open sea, all more or less had their
 
 124 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 engines crippled, and not half the men that had manned 
 them escaped alive. 
 
 They had wrought incalculable damage, it is true, for part of 
 Newcastle was burning, and the loss of life had been terrible ; 
 yet they were driven back by the Volunteers' desperately 
 vigorous tire, and the lives of many thousands in Newcastle 
 and Gateshead had thus been saved at the eleventh hour by 
 British patriots. 
 
 Alas, it was a black day in England's history ! 
 
 Was this to be a turning-point in the wave of disaster 
 which had swept so suddenly upon our land ?
 
 CHArTKK XYII. 
 
 HELP Fi;OM OUIl COLONIES. 
 
 AYS passed — dark, dismal, dispiriting. Grim- 
 visaged War liad crushed all joy and gaiety from 
 Iiritish hearts, and fierce patriotism and deter- 
 mination to tight on until the bitter end mingled 
 everywhere with hunger, sadness, and despair. 
 British homes had been desecrated, British lives 
 had been sacrificed, and through the land the invaders rushed 
 ravaging w^ith fire and sword. 
 
 "Whole tow^ns had been overwhelmed and shattered, great 
 tracts of rich land in Sussex and Hampshire had been laid 
 waste, and the people, powerless against the enormous forces 
 sweeping down upon them, had been mercilessly mowed down 
 and butchered by Cossacks, whose brutality was fiendish, 
 l^verywhere there were reports of horrible atrocities, of 
 heartless murders, and wholesale slaughter of the helpless and 
 unoffending. 
 
 The situation, both in Great Britain and on the Continent, 
 was most critical. The sudden declaration of hostilities by 
 France and Kussia had resulted in a great war in which nearly 
 all European nations were involved. Germany had sent her 
 enormous land forces over her frontiers east and west, success- 
 fully driving back the Frencli along the Vosges, and occupying 
 1 >i,jon, Chalons-sur-Saone, and Lyons. Yalmy, Xancy, and 
 Metz had again been the scenes of sanguinary encounters, and 
 Chauniont and Troves had both fallen into the linnds of the 
 
 V2o
 
 126 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Kaiser's legions. In Poland, however, neither Germans nor 
 Austrians had met with such success. A fierce battle had 
 been fought at Thorn between the Tsar's forces and the 
 Germans, and the former, after a desperate stand, were defeated, 
 and the Uhlans, dragoons, and infantry of the Tatherland had 
 swept onward up the valley of the Vistula to Warsaw. Here 
 the resistance offered by General Bodisco was very formidable, 
 but the city was besieged, while fierce fighting was taking place 
 all across the level country that lay between the Polish capital 
 and the Prussian frontier. Austrians and Hungarians fought 
 fiercely, the Tyrolese Jagers displaying conspicuous bravery at 
 Brody, Cracow, Jaroslav, and along the banks of the San, and 
 they had succeeded up to the present in preventing the Cossacks 
 and Paissian infantry from reaching the Carpathians, although 
 an Austrian army corps advancing into Eussia along the Styr 
 had been severely cut up and forced to retreat back to 
 
 Lemberg, 
 
 Italy had burst her bonds. Her Bersaglieri, cuirassiers, 
 Piedmontese cavalry, and carabiniers had marched along the 
 Corniche road into Provence, and, having occupied Nice, Cannes, 
 and Draguigan, were on their way to attack Marseilles, while 
 the Alpine infantry, taking the road over Mont Cenis, had, 
 after very severe fighting in the beautiful valley between Susa 
 and Bardonnechia, at last occupied Modane and Chambery, 
 and now intended joining hands with the Germans at 
 Lyons. 
 
 France was now receiving greater punishment than she 
 had anticipated, and even those members of the Cabinet and 
 Deputies who were responsible for the sudden invasion of 
 England were compelled to admit that they had made a false 
 move. The frontiers were being ravaged, and although the 
 territorial regiments remaining were considered suftlcient to 
 repel attack, yet the Army of the Saone had already been cut 
 to pieces. In these circumstances, France, knowing the great 
 peril she ran in prolonging the invasion of Britain, was 
 desperately anxious to make the British sue for peace, so that 
 she could turn her attention to events at home, and therefore,
 
 Help from our Colonies 12 
 
 although in a measure contra veniiitj International Law, she 
 had instructed her Admirals to bonil)ard Britisli seaports and 
 partially-defended towns. 
 
 Although the guns of the hostile Heet had wr(jught such 
 ai)i>alling havoc on the Humber, on the Tyne, and along the 
 coast of Kent and Sussex, nevertheless the enemy had only 
 secured a qualified success. The cause of all the disasters that 
 had befallen us, of tlie many catastroi)hes on land and sea, was 
 due to the wretchedly inadequate state of our Xavy, although 
 the seven new battleships and six cruisers commenced in 1894 
 were now complete and afloat. 
 
 Had we possessed an efficient Navy the enemy could never 
 liave approached our shores. We had not a sufficient immber 
 of ships to replace casualties. Years behind in nearly every 
 essential point, Britain had failed to give her cruisers either 
 speed or guns e(jual in strength to tliose of other nations. 
 Our guns were the worst in the world, no fewer than 47 
 vessels still mounting 350 old muzzle-loaders, weapons dis- 
 carded by every other European Navy, 
 
 For years it had been a race between the hare and the 
 tortoise. We had remained in dreamy unconsciousness of 
 danger, while other nations had quickly taken advantage of 
 all the newly-discovered modes of destruction that njake modern 
 warfare so terrible. 
 
 Notwithstanding the odds ag^iinst us in nearly everv 
 particular, the British losses had been nothing as compared 
 with those of the enemy. This spoke much for British pluck 
 and pertinacity. With a force against them of treble their 
 strength, British bluejackets had succeeded in sinking a number 
 of the finest and most powerful ships of France and Paissia. 
 Fiance had lost the Amiral Dupcrrd, a magnificent steel vessel 
 of eleven thousand tons ; the Neptune and RcdoutaUe, a trifle 
 smaller; the Tonncrre, the Terrible, the Furicux, the Indompt- 
 fihle, the Caiman, all armoured ships, had been lost ; while the 
 cruisers UEstaing, Sfax, Desaic, Cosamo, Faucon, the despatch- 
 vessel HirondcUe, the gunboats Iberville, Gabes, and Lanee, and 
 eleven others, together with sixteen torpedo boats and numbers
 
 128 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 of transports, had been either blown up, burned, or otherwise 
 destroyed. 
 
 The losses the Eussians had sustained, in addition to the 
 many transports and general service steamers, included the 
 great steel cruiser Nicolai I., the vessels Gerzog EdinhurgsJdj , 
 Syzran, Rynda, Asia, Gangut, Kranaya Gorha, Olaf, and the 
 torpedo boat Aho, with eight otliers. 
 
 The destruction of this enormous force had, of course, not 
 been effected without an infliction of loss upon the defenders, 
 yet the British casualties bore no comparison to those of the 
 enemy. True, the armoured turret-ship Conqueror had, alas ! 
 been sacrificed; the fine barbette-ships Centurion and Rodney 
 had gone to the bottom ; the splendid first-class cruiser ^«?-ora 
 and the cruiser Narcissus had been blown up ; while tlie cruisers 
 Terpsichore, Melampus, Tribune, Gcdatea, and Canada, with a 
 number of torpedo boats and "catchers," had also been destroyed, 
 yet not before every crew had performed heroic deeds worthy 
 of record in the world's history, and every vessel had shown 
 the French and Eussians what genuine British courage could 
 effect. 
 
 Still the invaders were striking swift, terrible blows. On 
 the Humber and the Tyne the loss of life had been appalling. 
 The bombardment of Brighton, the sack of Eastbourne, and the 
 occupation of the Downs by the land forces, had been effected 
 only by wholesale rapine and awful bloodshed, and Britain 
 waited breathlessly, wondering in what direction the next 
 catastrophe would occur. 
 
 Such newspapers as in these dark days continued to appear 
 reported how great mass meetings were being held all over tlie 
 United States, denouncing the action of the Franco-Eussian 
 forces. 
 
 In New York, Chicago, Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, 
 San Francisco, and other cities, resolutions were passed ac 
 enormous demonstrations by the enthusiastic public, demanding 
 that the United States Government should give an immediate 
 ultimatum to France that unless she withdrew her troops from 
 British soil, war would be declared against her.
 
 Help i-rom our Colonies 129 
 
 Special sittinj^'S of Congress were Leiiig held daily at 
 Washington for the purpose of discussing tlie advisability of 
 such a step; influcMitial deputations waited upon tlie President, 
 and all the prominent statesmen were interviewed by the 
 various enterprising New York journals, the result showing a 
 great pn^ponderance of feeling that such a measure sliould be at 
 once taken. 
 
 In lU'itish colonies througliout the world the greatest imlig- 
 nation and most intcuise excitement prevailed. Already l)odies 
 of Volunteers were on their way from Australia and Cape Town, 
 many of the latter, under ]\Iajor .Scott, having already been in 
 England and shot as competitors at Bisley. From India a 
 number of native regiments had end^arked for Southampton, 
 but tlie Northern frontier stations had been strengthened in 
 anticipation of a movement south l)y Eussia, and the French 
 Indian possessions, Tondichery and Karikal, were occupied by 
 British troops. 
 
 An expedition from Burmah had crossed the Shan States 
 into Tonquin, and with the assistance of the British Squadron 
 on the China Station had, after hard fighting, occupied a portion 
 of the country, while part of the force had gone farther south 
 and connnenced operations in French Cochin-China by a 
 vigorous attack on Saigon. 
 
 Armed British forces had also landed in Guadaloupe and 
 Martinique, two of the most fertile of the West Indian Islands, 
 and St. 15artholomew had also been occupied by West Indian 
 regiments. 
 
 On the outbreak of hostilities intense patriotism spread 
 through Canada, and from the shores of Lake Superior away to 
 far Vancouver a movement was at once made to assist the Mother 
 Country. In Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Kingston 
 mass meetings were held, urging the Dominion Government to 
 allow a force of Volunteers to go to England witliout delay; 
 and this universal demand was the more gratifying wlien it was 
 remembered that more than a quarter of the population were 
 themselves French. Nevertheless the knowledge that P.ritain 
 was in danger was sullicient to arouse patriotism everywhere.
 
 MO The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 and within a few days 20,000 Volunteers were enrolled, and these, 
 before a fortnight had passed, were on their way to liverpool. 
 Great was the enthusiasm when, a few days later, to the strains 
 of " Eule, Britannia," the first detachment landed in the Mersey, 
 and as they marched through the crowded streets, the people, 
 delighted at this practical demonstration of sympathy, wrung 
 the Viands of the patriots of the West. Vessel after vessel, 
 escorted by British cruisers, arrived at the landing-stage, and 
 discharged their regiments of men to whom the knowledge of 
 Britain^ danger had been sufficient incentive to induce them 
 to act their part as Britons. Then, when the last vessel had 
 arrived, they were formed into a brigade, and set out to march 
 south in the direction of Birmingham. 
 
 Meanwhile a great loan was being floated in Australia and 
 the United States. The former colony had but recently passed 
 through a serious financial crisis, but in America a sum of no less 
 than £200,000,000 was taken up, although the issue only con- 
 tinued a few days. In Wall Street the excitement was intense, 
 and the struggle to invest was desperate. No such scenes had 
 ever been witnessed within the memory of the oldest member of 
 the Stock Exchange, for financiers were determined to assist the 
 greatest Power on earth ; indeed, apart from the sound security 
 offered, they felt it their duty to do so. INIelbourne, Sydney, 
 Brisbane, and Calcutta all contributed in more or less degree, 
 and the loan immediately proved the most successful ever 
 floated. 
 
 To Britain on every side a helping hand was outstretched, 
 and, irrespective of politics and party bickerings, assistance 
 was rendered in order that she might crush her enemies. 
 Britannia gathered her strength, and armed herself for the 
 fierce combat which she knew must decide the destiny of her 
 glorious Empire. 
 
 London, starving, terror-stricken, and haunted continually 
 by apprehensions of an unknown doom, was in a state of rest- 
 lessness both night and day. Food supplies had failed, the 
 cheapest bread was sold at 3s. 8d. a small loaf, and neither 
 fish nor meat could be purchased.
 
 Help from our Colonies 131 
 
 In the City the panic was friglitful. Business was paralysed, 
 hundreds were being ruined daily, and after the first sensation 
 and headlong rush on the Stock Exchange, transactions re- 
 mained at a standstill. Then suddenly, wlien the seriousness 
 of the situation was fully understood, there was a run on the 
 banks. 
 
 Crowds, eager and clamouring, surrounded the Bank of 
 England, and establishments in Lombard Street and elsewhere, 
 with cheques in their hands, demanding their deposits in gold. 
 Although weak and half-starved, they desired their money in 
 order to flee and take with them all they possessed before the 
 enemy swept down upon London. 
 
 Day and night in all the City banks the cashiers were kept 
 paying out thousands upon thousands in hard shining gold. 
 The clink of coin, the jingle of scales, and the eager shouts of 
 those feverishly anxious for their turn, and fearing the 
 resources would not hold out, formed a loud incessant din. 
 
 As the days passed, and the run on the banks continued, 
 one after another of the establishments, both in the City and 
 the "West End, unable to withstand the heavy withdrawals, 
 were compelled to close their doors. Many were banks of 
 such high reputation that the very fact of being a depositor 
 was a hall-mark of a man's prosperity, while others were 
 minor establishments, whose business was mainly with small 
 accounts and middle-class customers. One Ijy one they failed 
 to fulfil their obligations, and closed ; and the unfortunate ones, 
 including many women who had not been able to struggle 
 successfully to get inside, turned away absolutely ruined ! 
 
 In the West End the starving poor had formed processions, 
 and marched through Mayfair and Belgravia demanding 
 bread, while Anarchists held council in front of the blackened 
 ruins of the National Gallery, and the LTnemployed continued 
 their declamatory oratory on Tower Hill. The starving 
 thousands from the East End ran riot in the aristocratic 
 thoroughfares of Kensington, and, heedless of the police, — who 
 were, in fact, powerless before such superior numbers, — 
 residences of the rich were entered and searched for food,
 
 132 The Greai' War in England in 1897 
 
 and various acts of violence ensued. The cellars of clubs, 
 liotels, and private houses were broken open and sacked, 
 granaries were emptied, wholesale grocery warehouses were 
 looted, and flour mills searched from roof to basement. If 
 they could not obtain food, they said, they would drink. A 
 desperate starving crowd then forced an entry to the wine 
 vaults at the Docks, and swallowed priceless vintages from 
 pewter pots. Hogsheads of port and sherry were carried up into 
 the streets, and amid scenes of wild disorder were tapped and 
 drunk by the excited and already half-intoxicated multitude. 
 
 For days London remained at the mercy of a drunken, 
 frenzied rabble. Murder and incendiarism were committed in 
 every quarter, and many serious and desperate conflicts occurred 
 between the rioters and the law-abiding patriotic citizens. 
 
 Enthusiasm was displayed by even the latter, when an 
 infuriated mob one night surrounded Albert Gate House, the 
 French Embassy, and, breaking open the door, entered it, and 
 flung the handsome furniture from the windows. 
 
 Those below made a huge pile in the street, and when the 
 whole of the moval)le effects had been got out, the crowd set 
 fire to them, and also to the great mansion, at the same time 
 cheering lustily, and singing " Eule, Britannia," as they 
 watched tlie flames leap up and consume both house and 
 furniture. 
 
 The servants of the Embassy had fortunately escaped, other- 
 wise they would no doubt have fared badly at the hands of the 
 lawless assembly. 
 
 When the fire had burned itself out, however, a suggestion 
 was spread, and the mob with one accord rushed to the 
 liussian Embassy in Chesham Place. 
 
 This house was also entered, and the furniture flung pell- 
 mell from the windows, that too large to pass througli being 
 broken up in the rooms, and the fragments thrown to the 
 shouting crowd below. 
 
 Chairs, tables, ornaments, mirrors, bedding, kitchen utensils, 
 and crockery were thrown out, carpets were taken up, and 
 curtains and cornices torn down by ruthless denizens of
 
 Help from our ColOxMes 133 
 
 Whitechapel and Shoieditch, who, maddened by drink, were, 
 determined to destroy everything belonging to the countries 
 which had brouc;ht disaster upon them. 
 
 Presently, when nearly all tlie furniture had l)een removed, 
 • some man, wild-liaired and excited, emerged into the street, 
 with a great tlag he had discovered in one of the attics. With 
 a shout of delight he unfurled it. It was a large yellow one, 
 upon which was depicted a huge black double eagle ; the 
 flag that had been hoisted at the Embassy on various State 
 occasions. 
 
 Its appearance was greeted by a fearful howl of rage, and 
 the infuriated people, falling upon the man who waved it, tore 
 it into shreds, wjiich they afterwards cast into the bonfire they 
 had made for the Ambassador's furniture. 
 
 From the archives the secret papers and reports of spies 
 were taken, and, being torn into fragments, were scattered 
 from an upper window to the winds, until at last, men, snatch- 
 ing up Haring brands from the huge bonfire, rushed into the 
 dismantled mansion, and, having poured petroleum in many of 
 the apartments, ignited them. 
 
 Flames quickly spread through the house, belching forth 
 from the windows, and, ascending, had soon burst through the 
 roof, illuminating the neighbourhood with a bright, fitful glare. 
 Tlie mob, as the tlamcs leaped up and crackled, screamed with 
 fiendish deliglit. From tliousands of hoarse throats there went 
 up loud cries of " Down with the Tsar ! Down with liussia ! " 
 And as the great bonfire died down, and tlie roof of the 
 Embassy collapsed with a crash, causing the flames to shoot 
 higher and roar more vigorously, they sang with one accord, 
 led by a man who had mounted some railings, the stirring 
 British song, " The Union Jack of Old England." 
 
 Although the colonies had shown how zealously they were 
 prepared to guard the interests of the Mother Country, their 
 public spirit was eclipsed by the spontaneous outburst of 
 latriotism which occurred in Ireland. ]\Iass meetings were 
 being held in Belfast, Dublin, Cork, AVaterford, Limerick, 
 Londonderrv, Sligo, Armngh, Dnnd;dk, Xewry, and dozens of
 
 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 other places, at which men of all grades of society unanimously 
 decided by resolution to raise Volunteer regiments to take arms 
 against the foe. 
 
 The knowledge of Britain's danger had aroused the patriotic 
 feelings of the people, and they were determined to give their 
 sovereign a proof of their allegiance, cost what it might. 
 
 The movement was a general one. Nationalists and 
 Unionists vied in their eagerness to demonstrate their love 
 for the Empire, and that part of it which was now in danger. 
 
 Already the Irish Eeserve forces had been mobilised and 
 sent to their allotted stations. The 3rd Irish Eifles from 
 Newtownards, the 5th Battalion from Downpatrick, and the 
 6th from Dundalk, were at Belfast under arms ; the Donegal 
 Artillery from Letterkenny had already gone to Harwich to 
 assist in the defence of the east coast ; and both the London- 
 derry and Sligo Artillery had gone to Portsmouth ; while the 
 3rd Irish Fusiliers from Armagh were at Plymouth, and the 
 4th Battalion from Cavan had left to assist in the defence of 
 the Severn. 
 
 Whatever differences of political opinion had previously 
 existed between them on the question of Home Pule, were 
 forgotten by the people in the face of the great danger which 
 threatened the Empire to which they belonged. The national 
 peril welded the people together, and shoulder to shoulder 
 they marched to lay down their lives, if necessary, in the work 
 of driving back the invader. 
 
 Within six days of this spontaneous outburst of patriotism, 
 25,000 Irishmen of all creeds and political opinions were on 
 their way to assist their English comrades. As might have 
 been expected, the greater number of these Volunteers came 
 from the North of Ireland, hut every district sent its sons, 
 eager to take part in the great struggle. At the great meetings 
 held at Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Wexford, Waterford, 
 Strabane, Newtown-Stewart, Downpatrick, Ballymena, and 
 dozens of other places all over the country, from the Giant's 
 Causeway to Cape Clear, and from Dublin to Galway Bay, 
 the most intense enthusiasm was shown, and men signed their
 
 Hklp from our Colonies 135 
 
 names to the roll in hundreds, many subscribing large sums 
 to defray the cost of equipment and other expenses. Each 
 passenger or mail boat from Larne to Stranraer, from Dublin 
 to Holyhead, every steamer from Belfast to Whitehaven and 
 Liveri)ool, brought over well-armed contingents of stalwart 
 men, who, after receiving hearty receptions of the most 
 enthusiastic and flattering description, were moved south to 
 Stamford in Lincolnshire as quickly as the disorganised 
 railway service would allow. 
 
 The object of the military authorities in concentrating 
 them at this point was to strengthen the great force of 
 defenders now marching south. Detraining at Stamford, the 
 commanding officer had orders to march to Oundle, by way 
 of King's Cliffe and Fotheringhay, and there remain until 
 joined by a brigade of infantry with the Canadians coming 
 from Leicestershire. The great body of men at length 
 mustered, answered the roll, and marched through the quiet 
 old-world streets of Stamford, and out upon the ])road highway 
 to King's Clifle on the first stage of their journey. 
 
 It was early morning. In the sunlight the dew still 
 glistened like diamonds on the wayside, as regiment after 
 regiment, with firm, steady step, and shouldering their rifles, 
 bravely passed away through the fields of ripe uncut corn, 
 eager to unite witli a force of Uegulars, and strike their first 
 blow for their country's liberty. 
 
 Sturdy fishermen from the rough shores of Donegal marched 
 side by side with townsmen and artisans from Dublin, Belfast, 
 and Limerick ; sons of wealthy manufacturers in Antrim and 
 Down bore arms with stalwart peasantry from Kerry and 
 Tipperary ; while men whose poor but cherished cabins over- 
 looked Carlingtbrd Lough, united with fearless patriots from 
 Carlow, Wexford, and Waterford. 
 
 Since they landed on English soil, they had met with a 
 boundless welcome. 
 
 In the rural districts the distress was not yet so great as in 
 the larger towns ; consequently at King's Cliffe, when the first 
 detachment halted for rest in the long straggling street of tlie
 
 136 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 typical Englisli village, the bells of the quaint old church were 
 rung, and villagers gave their defenders bread, cheese, and 
 draughts of ale. While the men were standing at ease and 
 eating heartily, two officers entered Bailey's, the village grocery 
 store, which served as post office, and received a cipher tele- 
 graphic despatch. They emerged into the roadway immedi- 
 ately, and their faces showed that some unforeseen event had 
 occurred. A third officer was summoned, and a hurried and 
 secret consultation took place as they stood together opposite 
 the Cross Keys Inn. 
 
 " But can we do it ? " queried the youngest of the trio, 
 aloud, pulling on his gloves, and settling the hang of his 
 sword. 
 
 The grave elder man, commander of the brigade, glanced 
 quickly at his watch, with knit brows. 
 
 " Do it ? " he replied, with a marked Irish accent. " We 
 must. It'll be a dash for life; but the boys are fresh, and as 
 duty calls, we must push onward, even though we may be 
 marching to our doom. Go," he said to the youngest of his 
 two companions, " tell them we are moving, and that our ad- 
 vance guard will reach them at the earliest possible moment." 
 
 The young lieutenant hurried over to the little shop, and 
 as he did so the colonel gave an order, and a bugle awoke the 
 echoes of the village. 
 
 Quick words of command sounded down the quaint, ancient 
 street, followed by the sharp click of arms. Again officers' 
 voices sounded loud and brief, and at the word " March ! " 
 the great body of stern loyalists moved onward over the 
 bridge, and up the School Hill on to the long winding road 
 which led away through Apesthorpe and historic Fotheringhay 
 to Oundle. 
 
 The message from the front had been immediately responded 
 to, for a few minutes later the excited villagers stood watching 
 the rearguard disappearing in the cloud of dust raised by the 
 heavy tread of the thousand feet upon the white highway.
 
 IRISH YoM'NTKKltS UALTINC; IN KI.M;S ll.IKKE.
 
 CHAPTEK XViir. 
 
 RUSSIAN ADVANCE IN THE MIDLANDS. 
 
 H ROUGH the land the grey-coated hordes of 
 the White Tsar spread like locusts — their 
 track marked by death and desolation. 
 
 ]]oth French and Eussian troops had taken 
 up carefully selected positions on the Downs, 
 and, backed by the enormous reinforcements 
 now landed, were slowly advancing. Eveiy detail of the 
 surprise invasion had apparently been carefully considered, 
 for immediately after the fierce battle off Beachy Head a 
 number of French and Russian cruisers were despatched to 
 tlie Channel ports in order to threaten them, so as to prevent 
 many of the troops in Hampshire, Dorset, and Devon from 
 moving to their place of assembly. Consequently large 
 bodies of British troops were compelled to remain inactive, 
 awaiting probable local attacks. 
 
 Meanwhile the invaders lost no time in extending their 
 flanks preparatory to a general advance, and very quickly 
 they were in possession of all the high ground from Polegate 
 to Steyning Down, while Cossack patrols wore out on the 
 roads towards Cuckfield and West Grinstead, and demon- 
 strations were made in the direction of Horsham, where a 
 strong force of British troops had hastily collected. 
 
 As the long hot days passed, the Volunteers forming the 
 line of defence south of London had not been idle. A brigade 
 of infantry had been pushed forward to Balcombe, and with 
 
 10
 
 138 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 this the Britisli were now watching; the his;h ground that 
 stretched across to Horsham. 
 
 The advance of the enemy had not, of course, been accom- 
 phshed without terrible bloodshed. A division of the Eegulars 
 from Parkhurst, Portsmouth, and Winchester, which had been 
 hurried down to Arundel to occupy a strong defensive position 
 near that town, had come into contact with the enemy, and 
 some desperate fighting ensued. Outposts had been thrown 
 across the river Arun, and about midnight a patrol of the 
 2nd Cavalry Brigade from Petersfield, supported by infantry, 
 had been suddenly attacked close to Ashington village. 
 Under a vigorous fire they were unfortunately compelled 
 to fall back fighting, and were almost annihilated, for it 
 was only then ascertained that the enemy were moving in 
 great force, evidently with the intention of obtaining posses- 
 sion of the heights as far as Cocking, West Dean, and 
 Chichester, and so threaten Portsmouth from the land. 
 
 The survivors of this cavalry patrol succeeded in recrossing 
 the Arun, but their losses were exceedingly heavy. 
 
 At daybreak the enemy were visible from Arundel, and 
 shot and shell were poured into them from the batteries 
 established along the hills to Houghton. So heavy was the 
 British fire that the Eussians were compelled to seek cover, 
 and their advance in this direction was, for this time, 
 checked. 
 
 The defenders, although occupying an excellent position, 
 were, however, not sufficiently strong to successfully cope with 
 the onward rush of invaders, and could do little else beyond 
 watching them. 
 
 On the other hand, the Eussians, displaying great tactical 
 skill, and led by men who had thoroughly studied the 
 geography of the South of England, had gained a distinct 
 advantage, for they had secured their left fiank from attack, 
 so that tliey could now advance northward to Horsham and 
 Balcombe practically unmolested. 
 
 The first general movement commenced at noon, when an 
 advance was made by two enormous columns of the enemy,
 
 Russian Advance in the Midlands 139 
 
 one of which proceeded by way of Henfield and Partridge 
 Green and the otlier by Cooksbridge and Keynes, the third 
 column remaining in Sussex to protect the base of operations. 
 Meanwhile, Horsham had been occupied by a portion of the 
 2nd division of the 1st Army Corps with a 12-pounder, a 
 9-pounder field battery, and a field company of tlic Eoyal 
 Engineers, and had been placed in a state of hasty defence. 
 Walls had been loopholed, fences had been cut down, and 
 various preparations made for holding the town. 
 
 Our forces were, nevertheless, sadly lacking in numbers. 
 A cavalry patrol of one of our flying columns was captured by 
 Cossacks at Cowfold, and the neglect on the part of the 
 commander of this column to send out his advance guard 
 sufficiently far, resulted in it being hurled back upon the 
 main body in great disorder. Then, seeing the success 
 everywhere attending their operations, the invaders turned 
 their attention to the British line of communication between 
 Horsham and Arundel, and succeeded in breaking it at 
 Billinghurst and at Petworth. 
 
 Fierce fighting spread all over Sussex, and everywhere 
 many lives were being sacrificed for Britain. The defenders, 
 alas ! with their weak and totally inadequate forces, could 
 make but a sorry stand against the overwhelming masses 
 of French and Eussians, yet they acted with conspicuous 
 bravery to sustain the honour of their native land. Villages 
 and towns were devastated, rural homes were sacked and 
 burned, and everywhere quiet, unoffending, but starving 
 Britons were being put to the sword. 
 
 Over Sussex the reign of terror was awful. The pastures 
 were stained by Britons' life-blood, and in all directions our 
 forces, though displaying their characteristic courage, were 
 being routed. At Horsham they were utterly defeated after 
 a fierce and bloody encounter, in which the enemy also lost 
 very heavily ; yet the cause of the British reverse was due 
 solely to a defective administration. Hurriedly massed in the 
 town from Aldershot by way of Guildford, they had, owing to 
 the short-sighted policy of the War Oifice, arrived without a
 
 140 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 sufficient supply of either transport or ammunition. Night 
 was falling as they detrained, and in the hopeless confusion 
 battalion commanders conld not find their brigade head- 
 quarters, and brigadiers could not find their staff. 
 
 This extraordinary muddle resulted in the fresh troops, 
 instead of being sent forward to reinforce the outposts, being 
 kept in town, while the jaded, ill-fed men, who had already 
 been on the alert many hours, were utterly unable to resist 
 the organised attack which was made before daybreak. 
 
 Though they made a gallant stand and fought on with 
 desperate determination, yet at last the whole of them were 
 driven back in confusion, and with appalling loss, upon their 
 supports, and the latter, who held out bravely, were at last 
 also compelled to fall back upon their reserves. The latter, 
 which included half a battery of artillery stationed at Wood's 
 Farm and Toll Bar, held the enemy in temporary check ; but 
 when the heavy French artillery was at length brought up, 
 the invaders were enabled to cut the railway, destroy the 
 half battery at Wood's Farm, turn the British right flank, and 
 compel them to retreat hastily from Horsham and fly to 
 defensive positions at Guildford and Dorking. 
 
 By this adroit manoeuvre the enemy succeeded in taking 
 over two hundred prisoners, capturing the guns of the 12- 
 pounder field battery, — which had not been brought into play 
 for the simple reason that only ammunition for 9-pounders 
 had been collected in the town, — and seizing a large quantity 
 of stores and ammunition of various kinds. 
 
 This success gave the enemy the key to the situation. 
 
 As on sea, so on land, our blundering defensive policy had 
 resulted in awful disaster. Sufficient attention had never been 
 paid to detail, and the firm-rooted idea that Britain could never 
 be invaded had caused careless indifference to minor matters of 
 vital importance to the stability of our Empire. 
 
 The contrast between the combined tactics of the enemy 
 and those of our forces was especially noticeable when the 
 cavalry patrol of the British flying column was captured on 
 the Cowfield road and the column defeated. The commander
 
 Russian Advance in the Midlands 141 
 
 of the column, a well-known ofllcer, unfortunately, like many 
 others, luid had very little experience of combined tactics, and 
 looked upon cavalry not merely as " the eyes and ears of an 
 army," hut as the army itself. It was this defect that was 
 disastrous. For many years past it had never appeared quite 
 clear whether ]>iiiisli cavalry were intended to act en masse in 
 warfare, or simply as scouts or mounted infantry, therefore 
 their training had been uncertain. The Home establishment 
 of our cavalry was supposed to be about 12,000 men, but 
 owing to a parsimonious administration only about half that 
 number had horses, and in some corps less than a half. 
 Another glaring detect was the division of many regiments 
 into detachments stationed in various towns, the inevitable 
 result of this being that many such detachineiits were without 
 regimental practice for months, and there were many who had 
 not manoeuvred with a force of all arms /or years! 
 
 Army organisation proved a miserable failure. 
 
 The supply of ammunition was totally inadequate, and 
 a disgrace to a nation which held its head above all others. 
 It was true that depots had been established at various centres, 
 yet witli strange oversight no provision had been made for the 
 work of ammunition trains. 
 
 Originally it had been intended that men for this most 
 important duty should be found by the Eeserves, and that 
 the horses should be those privately registered ; never- 
 theless it was found necessary at the very last moment 
 to weaken our artillery by detailing experienced men for 
 duty with the ammunition column. Many of the horses 
 which were registered for service were found to be totally 
 unfit, and very few of the remainder had been previously 
 trained. In the case of those which were required for the 
 cavalry regiments — nearly six thousand — the best men in the 
 regiments had to be told off at the very beginning of the in- 
 vasion to hurriedly train and prepare these animals for service, 
 when they should have been available to proceed to any part 
 of the kingdom at twenty-four hours' notice. By such defects 
 mobilisation was foredoomed to failure.
 
 142 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 The scheme, instead of being so arranged as to be carried out 
 without confusion, resulted in muddle and farcical humiliation. 
 
 Again, the infantry, owing to the recent departure of the 
 Indian drafts, had been considerably weakened, many battalions 
 being found on mobilisation very disorganised and inefficient. 
 As an instance, out of one battalion at Aldershot, which was 
 on paper 1000 strong, 200 had been sent away to India, while 
 of the remainder more than half had only seen twelve months' 
 service, and a large percentage were either imder eighteen 
 years of age or were " special enlistments," namely, below the 
 minimum standard of height. 
 
 Such a battalion compared very unfavourably with the 
 majority of Volunteer regiments, — those of the Stafford 
 Brigade, for instance, — the average service of the men in those 
 regiments being over five years, and the average age twenty- 
 seven years. British officers had long ago foreseen all these 
 defects, and many others, yet they had preserved an enforced 
 silence. They themselves were very inefficiently trained in 
 munoeuvring, for, with one or two exceptions, there were no 
 stations in the kingdom where forces were sufficiently numerous 
 to give the majority of the superior officers practice in handling 
 combined bodies of troops. 
 
 Thus in practical experience in the field they were far 
 behind both French and Eussians, and it was this very serious 
 deficiency that now became everywhere apparent. 
 
 British troops, fighting valiantly, struggled to protect their 
 native land, which they determined should never fall under the 
 thrall of the invader. But alas ! their resistance, though 
 stubborn and formidable, was nevertheless futile. Time after 
 time the lines of defence were broken. 
 
 The Eussian Eagle spread his black wings to the sun, and 
 with joyous shouts the dense grey white masses of the enemy 
 marched on over the dusty Sussex roads northward towards 
 the Thames. 
 
 After the battle of Horsham, the gigantic right column of 
 the invaders, consisting mostly of French troops, followed up 
 the defenders to Guildford and Dorking, preparatory to an.
 
 Russian Advance in the Midlands 14; 
 
 attack upon London ; wliile the left column, nunibering 150,000 
 French and liussians of all arms, pushed on through Alfold 
 to Haslemere, then through Farnham and Odiham to Swallow- 
 field, all of which towns they sacked and burned, the terrified 
 inhabitants being treated with scant mercy. As the majority 
 of the defenders were massed in Kent, South Surrey, and 
 Sussex, the enemy advanced practically unmolested, and at 
 sunrise one morning a terrible panic was created in Eeading 
 by the sudden descent upon the town of a great advance 
 guard of 10,000 Eussians. 
 
 The people were appalled. They could offer no resistance 
 against the cavalry, who, tearing along the straight high road 
 from Swallowfield, swept down upon them. Along this road 
 the whole gigantic force was moving, and the Cossack skir- 
 mishers, spurring on across the town, passed away through the 
 Hailway Works, and halted at the bridge that spans the Thames 
 at Caversham. They occupied it at once, in order to prevent it 
 being blown up before the main body arrived, and a brisk 
 fight ensued with the small body of defenders that had still 
 remained at the Brigade depot on the Purley Koad. 
 
 Meanwhile, as the French and Eussian advance guard came 
 along, they devastated the land with fire and sword. The 
 farms along the road were searched, and afterwards set on 
 fire, while not a house at Three Mile Cross escaped. Entering 
 the town from Whitley Hill, the great mass of troops, working 
 in extended order, came slowly on, and, followed by 140,000 of 
 the main body and 1000 guns, carried everything before them. 
 
 No power could stem the advancing tide of the Muscovite 
 legions, and as they poured into the town in dense compact 
 bodies, hundreds of townspeople were shot down ruthlessly, 
 merely because they attempted to defend their homes. From 
 the Avenue Works away to the Cemetery, and from the 
 Eailway Station to Leighton Park, the streets swarmed with 
 soldiers of the Tsar, who entered almost every house in search 
 of plunder, and fired out of sheer delight in bloodshed upon 
 hundreds who were flying for their lives. 
 
 Men, women, even children, were slaughtered. The
 
 144 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 massacre was friglitful. Neither life nor property was re- 
 spected; in every thoroughfare brutal outrages and murders 
 were committed, and English homes were rendered desolate. 
 
 Almost the first buildings attacked were the great factories 
 of Messrs. Huntley & Palmer, whose 3000 hands were now, 
 alas ! idle owing to the famine. The stores were searched for 
 biscuits, and afterwards the whole factory was promptly set on 
 fire. The Great Western, Queen's, and George Hotels were 
 searched from garret to cellar, and the wines and beer found 
 in the latter were drunk in the streets. With the scant pro- 
 visions found, several of the regiments made merry during the 
 morning, while others pursued their devastating work. The 
 banks were looted, St. Mary's, Grey friars', and St. Lawrence's 
 Churches were burned, and Sutton & Sons' buildings and the 
 Eailway Works shared the same fate, while out in the direction 
 of Prospect Hill Park all the houses were sacked, and those 
 occupants who remained to guard their household treasures 
 were put to the sword. 
 
 Everywhere the invaders displayed the most fiendish 
 brutality, and the small force of British troops who had 
 engaged the Kussian advance guard were, after a most 
 fiercely contested struggle, completely annihilated, not, how- 
 ever, before they had successfully placed charges of gun-cotton 
 under the bridge and blown it up, together with a number of 
 Cossacks who had taken possession of it. 
 
 This, however, only checked the enemy's progress tempo- 
 rarily, for the right flank crossed at Sonning, and as the main 
 body had with them several pontoon sections, by noon the 
 pontoons were in position, and the long line of' cavalry, 
 infantry, artillery, and engineers, leaving behind Eeading, now 
 in flames, crossed the Thames and wound away along the road 
 to Banbury, which quaint old town, immortalised in nursery 
 rhyme, they sacked and burned, destroying the historic Cross, 
 and regaling themselves upon the ale found in the cellars of 
 the inns, the Red and White Lions. This done, they again 
 continued their march, practically unmolested ; while Oxford 
 was also entered and sacked.
 
 Russian Advance in the Midlands 145 
 
 True, scouts reiioited strong forces of the defenders advan- 
 cing across from Market Ifarborougli, Kettering, and Oundle, 
 and once or twice British outposts had sharp encounters with 
 the Eussians along the hills between Ladbrooke and Daventry, 
 resulting in serious losses on both sides ; nevertlieless the 
 gigantic force of Russians still proceeded, sweeping away every 
 obstacle from their path. 
 
 On leaving Banbury, the enemy, marching in column of 
 route, took the road through Stratford-on-Avon to Wootton 
 Wawen, where a halt for twenty-four hours was made in order 
 to mature plans for an organised attack on Birmingham. 
 Wootton Hall, after being looted, was made the headquarters, 
 and from thence was issued an order on the following day 
 which caused Warwick and Leamington to be swept and 
 burned by the invaders, who afterwards broke into two 
 divisions. One body, consisting of 50,000 men, including an 
 advance guard of 5000, took the right-hand road from 
 Wootton to Birmingham, through Sparkbrook ; while the 
 remaining 100,000 bore away to the left through Ullenhall and 
 Holt End to tlie extremity of the Hagley Hills, intending to 
 occupy them. They had already been informed that strong 
 defences had been established at King's Norton, in the im- 
 mediate vicinity, and knew that severe fighting must inevitably 
 ensue ; therefore they lost no time in establishing themselves 
 along the high ground between Eedditch and Barnt Green, in 
 a position commanding the two main roads south from Dudley 
 and Birmingham. 
 
 That a most desperate stand would be made for the defence 
 of the Metropolis of tlie Midlands the Eussian commander w\as 
 well aware. After the long march his troops were jaded, so, 
 bivouacing in Hewell Park, he awaited for nearly two days 
 the reports of his spies. These were not so reassuring as he 
 had anticipated, for it appeared tliat the higli ground south of 
 the city, notably at King's Norton, Northfield, Harborne, 
 Edgbaston, and along the Hagley lioad, was occupied by strong 
 bodies of troops and a large number of guns, and that every 
 preparation had been made for a stubborn resistance.
 
 146 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 It also appeared that at the entrance to the city at Spark- 
 brook, which road had been taken by the right column, very 
 little resistance was likely to be offered. 
 
 That the positions occupied by the defenders had been very 
 carefully chosen as the most advantageous the Eussian com- 
 mander was bound to admit, and although he possessed such a 
 large body of men it would require considerable tactical skill to 
 dislodge the defenders in order to prevent them covering with 
 their guns the country over which the Eussian division, taking 
 the right-hand roads, must travel. 
 
 THE BATTLEFIELD OF BIRMINGHAM. 
 
 During that day an encounter of a most fierce description 
 occurred between hostile reconnoitring parties on the road 
 between Bromsgrove Lickey and ISTorthfield. The road gradu- 
 ally ascended with a walled-in plantation on either side, and 
 the enemy were proceeding at a comfortable pace when 
 suddenly a number of rifles rattled out simultaneously, and 
 then it was discovered that the wall had been loopholed, and 
 that the British were pouring upon them a deadly hail from 
 which there was no shelter. The walls bristled with rifles, and
 
 Russian Advance in the Midlands 147 
 
 from them came a storm of bullets that killed and wounded 
 dozens of the invaders. 
 
 The latter, however, showed considerable daring, for while 
 the magazine rifles poured fortli their deadly shower, they rallied 
 and charged up the hill in the face of the fearful odds against 
 them. For ten minutes or perhaps a quarter of an hour the fight- 
 ing was a desperate hand-to-hand one, the enemy entering the 
 plantation with a dash that surprised the defenders. Gradually, 
 although outnumbered by the Kussians, the British at length, 
 by dint of the most strenuous effort and hard fighting, 
 succeeded in inflicting frightful loss upon the invaders, and the 
 latter, after a most desperate stand, eventually retreated in 
 confusion down into the valley, leaving nearly two-thirds of 
 the party dead or dying. 
 
 The British, whose losses were very small, had shown the 
 invaders that they meant to defend Birmingham, and that every 
 inch of ground they gained would have to be won by sheer 
 fighting. An hour later another fierce encounter occurred in 
 the same neighbourhood, and of the 4000 Eussians who had 
 advanced along that road not 900 returned to the main body, 
 such havoc the British Maxims caused ; while at the same 
 time a further disaster occurred to the enemy in another 
 direction, for away at Tanworth their outposts had been 
 completely annihilated, those who were not killed being 
 taken prisoners by the 3rd South Staffordshire Volunteers, 
 who, under Colonel E. Nayler, acted with conspicuous bravery. 
 In every direction the enemy's outposts and advance guards 
 were being harassed, cut up, and hurled back in disorder with 
 heavy loss, therefore the Eussian commander decided that a 
 sudden and rapid movement forward in order to effect a 
 junction with his right column was the only means by which 
 the position could be carried. 
 
 In the meantime events were occurring rapidly all over the 
 country south of the city. The commander of the Eussian 
 left column, deciding to commence the attack forthwith, moved 
 on his forces just before midnight in order to commence 
 the onslaught before daybreak, knowing the British forces
 
 148 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 always relieve their outposts at that time. Again, it was 
 necessary to advance under cover of darkness in order to pre- 
 vent the defenders' artillery, which now commanded the road 
 between Alcester and Moseley, firing upon them. 
 
 Having received a message from the right column stating 
 that their advance guard had pushed on to Olton End with 
 outposts at Sheldon and Yardley, and announcing their inten- 
 tion of advancing through Sparkbrook upon the city before 
 dawn, the commanding officer, leaving some artillery at Barnt 
 Green, and sending on cavalry to Stourbridge and Cradley to 
 turn the English flank at Halesowen, manoeuvred rapidly, 
 bringing the main body of cavalry and infantry back to Alve- 
 church, thence across to Weatheroak, and then striking due 
 north, again marched by the three roads leading to King's 
 Norton. 
 
 The high ground here he knew was strongly defended, and 
 it was about a quarter to two o'clock when the British, by 
 means of their search-lights, discovered the great dark masses 
 advancing upon tliem. Quickly their guns opened fire, and the 
 sullen booming of cannon was answered by the Eussian battery 
 near Barnt Green, Over Birmingham the noise was heard, and 
 had volumes of terrible significance for the turbulent crowds 
 who filled the broad thoroughfares. The search-lights used by 
 both invaders and defenders turned night into day, and the 
 battle proceeded. 
 
 The enemy had carefully prepared their plans, for almost 
 at the same moment that they assaulted the position at King's 
 Norton, a battery of Russian artillery opened a terrible fire 
 from the hill at Tanner's Green, while the attacking column 
 extended their right across to Colebrook Hall, with intent to 
 push across to Moseley Station, and thus gain the top of the 
 ridge of the ground in the rear of the British positions, and so 
 hem in the British force and allow the right column to advance 
 through Small Heath and Sparkbrook unchecked. 
 
 These simultaneous attacks met in the valley separating 
 the parallel ridges held by the Russians and British, and the 
 fighting became at once fierce and stul^born. A furious infantry
 
 Russian Advance in the Midlands 149 
 
 fire raged for over an hour in the valley between the excellent 
 position held ]>y the defenders at King's Norton and the lower 
 wooded ridge occu])ied by the Eussians, who had succeeded in 
 capturing half a JJritish battery who held it. Owing to the 
 bareness of the slope, the Eussians went down into battle 
 without cover, cut up terribly by the British infantry fire, and 
 by the shell fire from the King's Norton batteries. From the 
 British trenches between Broad Meadow and Moundsley Hall 
 a galling fire was poured, and Eussian infantry fell in hundreds 
 over the undulating fields between the high road to Alcester 
 and the Blithe Eiver. 
 
 From a ridge on the Stratford Eoad, near Monkspath Street, 
 heavy Eussian artillery opened fire just before dawn, and played 
 terrible havoc with the British guns, which on the sky-line 
 opposite afforded a mark. As time crept on there was no 
 cessation in tlie thunder on either side, while away along the 
 valleys a most bloody encounter was in progress. The whole 
 stretch of country was one huge battlefield. British and 
 Eussians fell in hundreds, nay, in thousands. 
 
 The losses on every side were appalling ; the fortune of 
 war trembled in the balance.
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 FALL OF BIRMINGHAM. 
 
 HE battlo outside Birmingham was long, fierce, 
 and furious. No more desperately contested 
 engagement had ever occurred in the history of 
 the British Empire. From the very first 
 moment of tlie fight it was apparent that the 
 struggle would be a fearful one, both sides 
 possessing advantages ; the British by reason of the magnificent 
 defensive positions they occupied, and the Russians by reason 
 of their overwhelming numbers. Against a defending force of 
 50,000 of all arms, 150,000 invaders — the majority of whom 
 were Russians — were now fighting, and the combat was 
 necessarily long and deadly. British Volunteers were con- 
 spicuous everywhere by their bravery ; the Canadians rendered 
 most valuable assistance, firing from time to time with excellent 
 precision, and holding their position with splendid courage ; 
 while the Irish Brigade, who had moved rapidly from King's 
 Cliffe by train and road, and had arrived in time, now held 
 their own in a position close to Kingsheath House. 
 
 Many of the principal buildings in Birmingham had during 
 the past day or two been converted into hospitals, amongst 
 others the Post Office, where the trained nurses received very 
 valuable assistance from the female clerks. A train full of 
 British wounded was captured early in the evening at Barnt 
 Green. It contained regular troops and civilians from the 
 Stratford force which had fallen back to Alcester, and the train 
 
 150
 
 Fall of Birmingham 151 
 
 had been sent on from there in the hope that it would get 
 through before the enemy were able to cut the line. This, 
 however, was not accomplished, for the Eussians inhumanely 
 turned out the wounded and filled the train with their own troops 
 and ammunition. Then, under the guidance of a Birmingham 
 railway man of French nationality who had been acting as 
 spy, the train proceeded to New Street Station. It was im- 
 possible for the officials at the station to cope with the enemy, 
 for they had only expected their own w^ounded, or they would, 
 of course, have wrecked the train by altering the points before it 
 arrived in the station. The Russians therefore detrained, and, 
 led by their spy, made a dash along the subway leading to the 
 lifts ascending to the Post Office. These were secured, and the 
 Office was soon captured by tlie Russians, who not only thereby 
 ol)tained a footing in the very centre of the town from which 
 there was not much chance of dislodging them before Birming- 
 ham fell, but they had also obtained possession of the most 
 important telegraph centre for the North and Midland districts 
 of England. 
 
 Before the first flush of dawn the whole of the country from 
 King's Norton right across to Solihull was one huge battlefield, 
 and when the sun rose, bright and glorious, its rays were 
 obscured by the clouds of smoke which hung like a funeral pall 
 over hill and dale. For a long period the principal Eussian 
 battery on the Stratford Pioad was short of ammunition, and, 
 seeing this, the strong British battery at Northfield moved 
 quickly up into a commanding position at Drake's Cross, not, 
 however, before it had been considerably weakened by the 
 Eussian fire from Bromsgrove Lickey. During this time, how- 
 ever, detachments of Canadian marksmen had been detailed 
 with no other purpose than to sweep the Eussian road at the 
 exposed points of its course, and to fire at everything and 
 everybody exposed on the ridge. This was most effective, and 
 for quite half an hour prevented any supply of ammunition 
 reaching the enemy, thus giving the liritish battery an op- 
 portunity to establish itself. At length, however, both batteries 
 of defenders opened fire simultaneously upon the Eussian guns.
 
 152 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 and so thickly fell the shots, that although ammuuition had 
 by this time been brought up, the enemy's power in that 
 quarter was completely broken. 
 
 From that time the fierce struggle was confined to cavalry 
 and infantry. Troops of Cossacks, sweeping up the banks of 
 the Arrow, encountered British Hussars and cut into them with 
 frightful effect. The defenders, fighting hard as the day wore 
 on, hindered the enemy from gaining any material advantage, 
 though the latter forced the outer line of the British shelter 
 trenches on the slopes below the position of King's Norton. 
 The Canadians had laid mines in front of their trenches, which 
 were exploded just as the head of the Russian assaulting parties 
 were massed above them, and large numbers of the Tsar's 
 infantry were blown into atoms. 
 
 Bullets were singing along the valleys like swarms of 
 angry wasps, and the liussian losses in every direction were 
 enormous. 
 
 Hour after hour the fighting continued. The British held 
 good positions, with an inner line of defence across from Selly 
 Oak, Harborne, and Edgbaston, to the high crest on the Hagley 
 Eoad, close to the Fountain, while the Eussians swarmed over 
 the country in overwhelming numbers. The frightful losses 
 the latter were sustaining by reason of the defenders' artillery 
 fire did not, however, disconcert them. But for the huge right 
 column of invaders advancing on Birmingham by way of 
 Acock's Green, it seemed an even match, yet as afternoon 
 passed the firing in the valley swelled in volume, and the 
 mad clamour of battle still surged up into the blue cloud- 
 less heavens. 
 
 The enemy could see on the sky-line the British reinforce- 
 ments as they came up from Halesowen by tlie road close to 
 their battery on the bare spot near the edge of their right 
 flank, and it M'as decided at four o'clock to deliver a counter 
 flank attack on the left edge of the British position, simul- 
 taneously with a renewed strenuous assault by the tirailleurs 
 from below. Soon this desperate manoeuvre was commenced, 
 and although the marching ground was good, the British guns
 
 Fall of Birmingham 153 
 
 swept them with their terrible fire, and hundreds of the Tsar's 
 soldiers dyed the meadows with their blood. 
 
 It was a fierce, mad dash. The British attacked vigorously 
 on every side, fought bravely, straining every nerve to repulse 
 their foe. 
 
 The battle had been the most fiercely contested of any 
 during the struggle, and in this desperate assault on King's 
 Norton the Kussians had suffered appalling losses. The valleys 
 and slopes were strewn with dead and dying, and a bullet had 
 struck the British commander, mortally wounding him. As he 
 was borne away to the ambulance wai^gon, the last words on 
 that noble soldier's lips were a fervent wish for good fortune 
 to the arms of the Queen he had served so well. 
 
 But the British were, alas ! outnumbered, and at last re- 
 treating in disorder, were followed over the hills to Halesowen 
 and utterly routed, while the main body of the enemy marching 
 up the Bristol and Pershore Eoads, extended their left across to 
 Harborne and Edgbaston. Meanwhile, however, the guns 
 placed on the edge of the city along the Hagley Pioad near the 
 Fountain, and in Beech Lane close to the Talbot Inn, as well 
 as the Volunteer batteries near St. Augustine's Church and 
 AVestfield Eoad, opened fire upon the advancing legions. The 
 two lower roads taken by tlie enemy were well commanded by 
 the British guns, and the Volunteers, with the Canadians and 
 Irish, again rendered most valuable assistance, everywhere 
 displaying cool and conspicuous courage. The walls of the 
 new villas along the Hagley Pioad, Portland Pioad, and Beech 
 Lane had been placed in a state of hasty defence, and rifles 
 bristled everywhere, but as the sun sank behind the long range 
 of pur])le hills the fight was in the balance. The British, as 
 they stood, could almost keep back the foe, but, alas ! not 
 quite. 
 
 There was soon a concentric rush for the hill, and as the 
 cannons thundered and rifles rattled, hundreds of the grey-coats 
 fell back and rolled down the steep slope dead and dying, but 
 the others pushed on in face of the frowning defences, used 
 their bayonets with desperate energy, and a few minutes
 
 154 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 later loud shouts in Russian told that the ridge had been 
 cleared and the position won. The battle had been long and 
 terrible ; the carnage awful ! 
 
 The British, making a last desperate stand, fought a fierce 
 hand-to-hand struggle, but ere long half their number lay 
 helpless in the newly-made suburban roads, and the remainder 
 were compelled to leave their guns in possession of the enemy 
 and fly north to Sandwell to save themselves. Then, as they 
 fled, the Russians turned the British guns near St. Augustine's 
 upon them, causing havoc in their rear. 
 
 The shattered left column of the enemy, having at length 
 broken down the British defences, raised loud victorious yells, 
 and, after reorganising, marched down the Hagley Road upon 
 the city, fighting from house to house the whole way. The 
 gardens in front of these houses, however, aided the defenders 
 greatly in checking the advance. 
 
 The sacrifice of human life during those hours from day- 
 break to sundown had been frightful. The whole country, 
 from Great Packington to Halesowen, was strewn with blood- 
 smeared corpses. 
 
 Having regard to the fact that the defending force consisted 
 of only 50,000 men against 100,000 Russians, the losses 
 inflicted upon the latter spoke volumes for British pluck and 
 military skill. Upon the field 10,000 Russians lay dead, 30,000 
 were wounded, and 2000 were prisoners, while the defenders' 
 total loss in killed and wounded only amounted to 20,000. 
 
 Indeed, had it not been for the reinforcements, numbering 
 50,000, from the right column, which were by this time coming 
 up w^ith all speed from Acock's Green, the Russians, in their 
 terribly jaded and demoralised state, could not have marched 
 upon the city. As it was, however, the occupation commenced 
 as night drew on ; the fighting that followed being principally 
 done by the reinforcements. 
 
 Leaving no fewer than 42,000 men dead, wounded, and 
 captured, the invaders pushed on into Birmingham. Though 
 the citizens' losses had already been terrific, nevertheless they 
 found that they were still determined to hold out. In all the
 
 Fall of Birmingham 155 
 
 principal roads leading into the city barricades had been 
 formed, and behind them were bands of desperate men, well 
 equipped, and prepared to fight on to the bitter end. 
 
 The first of these in tlic Hagley Eoad had been constructed 
 at the junclion of Monument Koad, and as the skirmisliers and 
 advance guard approached, offered a most desperate resistance. 
 In addition to a vigorous ritie fire that poured from the im- 
 provised defences, three Maxims were brought into play from 
 the roofs of large liouses, and these, commanding the whole 
 road as far as its junction with Beech Lane, literally mowed 
 down the enemy as they approached. Time after time the 
 Russians rushed upon the defenders' position, only to be 
 hurled back again by the leaden hail, which fell so thickly 
 that it was impossible for any body of troops to witlistand it. 
 By this the invaders' advance was temporarily checked, but it 
 was not long before they established a battery at the corner of 
 Norfolk Eoad, and poured shell upon the barricade with fright- 
 ful effect. Quickly the guns were silenced, and the Kussians 
 at last breaking down the barrier, engaged in a conflict at close 
 quarters with the defenders. 
 
 The road along to Five Ways was desperately contested. 
 The slaughter on both sides was awful, for a detachment of 
 Ilussians coming up the Harborne Eoad had been utterly 
 annihilated and swept away by the rifle fire of defenders 
 concealed behind loopholed walls. At Five Ways the entrance 
 to each of the five broad converging thoroughfares had been 
 strongly barricaded, and as the enemy pressed forward the 
 British machine guns established there caused terrible havoc. 
 Behind those barricades men of Birmingham of every class. 
 armed with all sorts of guns, hastily obtained from Kynoch's 
 and other factories, struggled for the defence of their homes 
 and loved ones, working with a dash and energy that greatly 
 disconcerted the enemy, who had imagined that, in view of 
 their victory in the battle, little resistance would be ofiered. 
 
 In the darkness that had now fallen the scenes in the 
 streets were frightful. The only light was the flash from gun- 
 muzzles and the glare of flames consuming private houses and
 
 156 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 public buildings. The civilian defenders, reinforced by Ee- 
 gular soldiers, Militia, and Volunteers, had made such excel- 
 lent preparations for defence, and offered such strenuous 
 opposition, that almost every foot the Russians gained in the 
 direction of the centre of the city was fought for hand to hand. 
 Both right and left Eussian columns were now advancing up 
 the Coventry, Stratford, Moseley, Pershore, and Bristol Eoads, 
 and in each of those thoroughfares the barricades were strongly 
 constructed, and, being armed with Maxims, wrought frightful 
 execution. 
 
 Gradually, however, one after another of these defences fell 
 by reason of the organised attacks by such superior numbers, 
 and the Eussians marched on, killing with bayonet and sword. 
 
 In the city, as the night passed, the fighting in the streets 
 everywhere was of the fiercest and most sanguinary description. 
 In Corporation Street a huge barricade with machine guns had 
 been constructed opposite the Victoria Law Courts, and, 
 assisted by 200 Volunteers, who, inside the latter building, 
 fired from the windows, the enemy were held in check for 
 several hours. 
 
 Time after time shells fell from the Eussian guns in the 
 midst of the defenders, and, bursting, decimated them in a 
 horrible manner; yet through the long close night there 
 was never a lack of brave men to step into the breach and 
 take up the arms of their dead comrades. Indeed, it was only 
 when the enemy succeeded in setting fire to the Courts, and 
 compelling the defenders to cease their vigorous rifle fire from 
 the windows, that the position was won ; and not until 
 hundreds of Eussians lay dead or dying in the street. 
 
 In New Street the Irish Volunteers distinguished them- 
 selves conspicuously. After the retreat they had been with- 
 drawn with the Canadians into the city, and, waiting in the 
 side thoroughfares at the opposite end of New Street, held 
 themselves in readiness. Suddenly, as the enemy rushed along 
 in their direction, an order was given, and they formed up, 
 and stretching across the street, met them with volley after 
 volley of steady firing; then, rushing onward with fixed
 
 Fall of Birmingham 157 
 
 bayonets, charged almost before the Eussians were aware of 
 their presence. 
 
 Witliout a thought of his own personal safety, every Irish- 
 man cast himself into the thick of the fray, and, backed by a 
 strong body of Canadians and fusiliers, they succeeded in 
 cutting their way completely into the invaders, and driving 
 them back into Corporation Street, where tliey were forced 
 right under the fire of four Maxims that had just at that 
 moment been brought into position outside the Exchange. 
 
 Suddenly these guns rattled out simultaneously, and the 
 Eussians, unable to advance, and standing at the head of the 
 long broad thoroughfare, were swept down with awful swiftness 
 and with scarcely any resistance. So sudden had been their 
 fate, that of a force over two thousand strong, not more than a 
 dozen escaped, although the defenders were taken in rear by 
 the force of 500 Eussians who had occupied the Post Office on 
 the previous night. 
 
 From Corporation Street a brilliant, ruddy glow suffused 
 the sky, as both the Law Courts and the Grand Theatre were 
 in flames, while St. Mary's Church and the Market Hall had 
 also been fired by incendiaries. 
 
 In the panic and coni'usion, conflagrations were breaking 
 out everywhere, flames bursting forth from several fine shops 
 in New Street which had already been sacked and wrecked. 
 Maddened by their success, by the thirst for the blood of their 
 enemies, and the rash deeds of incendiaries, the Muscovite 
 legions spread over the whole city, and outrage and murder 
 were common everywhere. 
 
 Away up Great Hampton Street and Hockley Hill the 
 jewellery factories were looted, and hundreds of thousands of 
 pounds worth of gems and gold were carried off, while the 
 Mint was entered, afterwards being burned because only 
 copper coins were found there, and the pictures in the Art 
 Gallery were wantonly slashed by sabres and bayonets. 
 
 The scenes on that memorable night were awful. Birming- 
 ham, one of the most wealthy cities in the kingdom, fell at last, 
 after a most stubborn resistance, for just before day broke the
 
 158 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 overwhelming forces of Kussia occupying the streets com- 
 menced to drive out the defenders, and shoot down those who 
 turned to resist. From Bordesley to Handsworth, and from 
 Smethwick to Aston, the city was in the hands of the enemy. 
 The banks in New Street were broken open, and the gold 
 stuffed into the pockets of the uncouth dwellers on the Don 
 and tlie Volga, Chamberlain's Memorial was wrecked, and 
 Queen's College occupied by infantry. Cossack officers estab- 
 lished themselves in the Grand and Queen's Hotels, and their 
 men were billeted at the Midland, Union, Conservative, and 
 other Clubs, and at many minor hotels and buildings. 
 
 Before the dawn had spread, whole rows of shops were 
 burning, their brilliant glare illuminating the streets that ran 
 with blood. It was a fearful scene of death and desolation. 
 
 The majority of the citizens had fled, leaving everything in 
 the hands of the enemy, who still continued their work of 
 pillage. In the streets the bodies of 10,000 Eussians and 3000 
 British lay unheeded, while no fewer than 9000 of the enemy's 
 infantry had been wounded. 
 
 The headquarters of the Eussian army had at last been 
 established in a British city, for over the great Council House 
 there now lazily flapped in the fresh morning breeze the great 
 yellow-and-black flag of the Tsar Alexander. 
 
 And the Eussian General, finding he had lost the enormous 
 force of 61,000 men, spent the grey hours of dawn in nervous 
 anxiousness, pacing the room in which he had installed himself, 
 contemplating the frightful disaster, and undecided how next 
 to act. 
 
 An incident illustrative of the fierceness of the fight outside 
 the city was published in the Times several days later. 
 It was an extract from a private letter written by Lieut. 
 J. G. Morris of the 3rd Battalion of the York and Lancaster 
 Eegiment, and was as follows : — 
 
 " The sun that day was blazing and merciless. Throughout 
 the morning our battalion had lost heavily in the valley, when 
 suddenly at about twelve o'clock the enemy a])parently received 
 reinforcements, and we were then driven back upon Weather-
 
 BIUMINGllAM OCCLTIKU UV Till; KL'.S.SIANS.
 
 Fall of Birmingham 159 
 
 oak by sheer force of numbers, and afterwards again fell 
 further back towards our position on tlie high ground in 
 Hagley Eoad. 
 
 " In this hasty retreat I found myself with a sergeant and 
 eighteen men pursued by a large skirmishing party of Iiussians. 
 All we could do was to tly l)efore them. This we did, until at 
 length, turning into Beech Lane, we f(;und ourselves before a 
 small, low-built ancient hostelry, the King's Head Inn, with a 
 dilapidated and somewhat crude counterfeit presentment of King 
 George II. outside. The place was unoccupied, and I decided 
 immediately to enter it. I could count on every one of my men; 
 therefore very soon we were inside, and had barricaded the little 
 place. Scarcely had we accomplished this when the first shots 
 rang out, and in a few moments the space outside where the 
 cross-roads meet literally swarmed with Iiussians, who quickly 
 extended, and, seeking cover at the junction of each of the five 
 roads, commenced a terrific fusilade. The windows from 
 which we fired were smashed, the woodwork splintered every- 
 where, and so thickly came the bullets that my men had to 
 exercise the utmost caution in concealing themselves while firing. 
 
 " In a quarter of an hour one man had been struck and 
 lay dead by my side, while at the same time the terrible 
 truth suddenly dawned upon me that our ammunition could 
 not last out. Regulating the firing, I rushed to one of the 
 back windows that commanded the valley down to Harborne, 
 and saw advancing along the road in our direction, and 
 raising a cloud of dust, about a thousand Eussian cavalry 
 and infantry. 
 
 " Back again to the front room I dashed, just in time to 
 witness the enemy make a wild rush towards us. Our 
 slackened fire had deceived them, and as the storming party 
 dashed forward, they were met by vigorous volleys from our 
 magazine rifles, which knocked over dozens, and compelled the 
 remainder to again retire. 
 
 " Again the enemy made a desperate onslaught, and again 
 we succeeded in hurling them back, and stretching dead a 
 dozen or more. IMeanwhile the great force of Russians was
 
 i6o The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 moving slowly up the hill, and I knew that to hold the place 
 much longer would be impossible. From the rear of the 
 building a vigorous attack had now commenced, and moving 
 more men round to the rear, so that our fire would command 
 the sloping approach to the house, I gave an order to fire 
 steadily. A moment later my sergeant and two other men 
 had been severely wounded, and although the former had had 
 his arm broken, and was near fainting from loss of blood, 
 nevertheless he kept up, resting his rifle-barrel upon the 
 shattered window-ledge, and pouring out the deadly contents 
 of his magazine. 
 
 "A few minutes afterwards a bullet shattered my left hand, 
 and the man who crouched next to me under the window was 
 a second later shot through the heart, and fell back dead among 
 the disordered furniture. 
 
 "Still not a man hesitated, not a word of despair was 
 uttered. We all knew that death stared us in the face, and 
 that to face it bravely was a Briton's duty. Only once I 
 shouted above the din : ' Do your best, boys ! Eemember we 
 we are all Britons, and those vermin outside have wrecked 
 our homes and killed those we love. Let's have our revenge, 
 even if we die for it ! ' 
 
 "'We'll stick to 'em till the very last, sir, never fear,' 
 cheerily replied one young fellow as he reloaded his gun ; but 
 alas ! ere he could raise it to fire, a bullet struck him in the 
 throat. He staggered back, and a few moments later was a 
 corpse. 
 
 "Undaunted, however, my men determined to sell their 
 lives as dearly as possible, and continued their fire, time after 
 time repelling the attack, and sweeping away the grey-coats as 
 they emerged from behind the low walls. 
 
 "Three more men had fallen in as many seconds, and 
 another, staggering back against the wall, held his hand to 
 his breast, where he had received a terrible and mortal wound. 
 Our situation at that momemt was most critical. Only two 
 rounds remained to each of my nine brave fellows, yet not a 
 man wavered.
 
 Fall of Birmingham i6i 
 
 " Looking, I saw in the fading twilight the dark masses of 
 the enemy moving up the steep road, and at that moment a 
 round was fired with effect upon those who had surrounded us. 
 One more round only remained. Then we meant to die 
 fighting. Blinding smoke suddenly filled the half-wrecked 
 room, and we knew that the enemy had succeeded in setting 
 fire to the taproom underneath ! 
 
 "I stepped forward, and shouted for the last time the 
 order to my brave comrades to fire. Nine rifles rang out 
 simultaneously; but I had, I suppose, showed myself im- 
 l)rudently, for at the same second I felt a sharp twinge in 
 the shoulder, and knew that I had been struck. The rest was 
 all a blank. 
 
 " When I regained my senses I found myself lying in 
 Sandwell Hall, with doctors bandaging my wounds, and then 
 I learned that we had been rescued just in time, and that my 
 nine comrades had all escaped the fate they had faced with 
 dogged disregard for their own safety, and such noble devotion 
 to their Queen." 
 
 It was a black day for Britain. During the long hours of 
 that fierce, mad struggle many Victoria Crosses were earned, 
 but the majority of those who performed deeds worthy of such 
 decoration, alas ! fell to the earth, dead.
 
 CHAPTEE XX. 
 
 OJTR REVENGE IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. 
 
 ANY important events had occurred in the 
 Mediterranean since the outbreak of hostilities. 
 At the moment of tlie sudden Declaration of 
 War, the ships forming the British Mediter- 
 ranean Squadron were at Larnaka, Cyprus, 
 and on receipt of the alarming intelligence, 
 the Admiral sailed immediately for Malta. On arrival there, 
 he heard that a strong force of French vessels had been 
 despatched to Gibraltar for the purpose of preventing any 
 British ships from getting out of the Mediterranean in order to 
 strengthen the Channel Squadron. Nevertheless he waited for 
 some days at Malta, in hourly expectation of instructions, which 
 came at length about two o'clock one morning, and an hour later 
 the Squadron sailed westward for an unknown destination. 
 
 Our Fleet in those waters was notoriously inadequate in 
 comparison with those of France and liussia. It consisted of 
 three of the battleships constructed under the 1894 programme, 
 the Jupiter, Ccesar, and Victorious, with the cruisers Diana and 
 Dido ; the ironclads Gollingivood, Dreadnought, Hood, Inflexible, 
 Nile, Raniillies, Repulse, Sans Pareil, Trafalgar, Magnificent, 
 Empress of India, and Revenge ; the cruisers Arethusa, Edgar, 
 Fearless, Hawke, Scout, Orlando, Undaunted; the torpedo ram 
 Polyphemus; the torpedo gun- vessel Sandfly; the ^\oo^?, Dolphin, 
 Gannet, Melita, and Bramble ; and the despatch vessel Surprise, 
 with twenty-two torpedo boats and six destroyers. 
 
 162
 
 Our Revenge in the Mediterranean 163 
 
 The information received by our Fleet at Malta was to 
 the effect that the French force at Gibraltar was so strong 
 that a successful attack was out of the question ; while the 
 Eussian Mediterranean and Black Sea Fleets, the strength of 
 which was considerable, were also known to be approaching 
 for the purpose of co-operating with the French. 
 
 Notwithstanding the addition of three new battleships and 
 two new cruisers to our force in the Mediterranean, the utter 
 inadequacy of our Navy was still very apparent. For years 
 the British public had demanded that a dozen more new 
 battleships should be constructed in case of casualties, but 
 these demands were unheeded, and during tlie three years that 
 had passed we had lost our naval supremacy, for France and 
 Eussia combined were now considerably stronger. France 
 alone had 150 fighting pennants available along her southern 
 shores, against our 59 ; and the Tsar's ships were all strong, 
 well-equipped, and armed with guns of the latest type. 
 
 As was feared from the outset, the Eussian Black Sea 
 Fleet had struck for the Suez Canal, England's highway to 
 the East. Egypt, the Bosphorus, Gibraltar, and Tripoli in 
 the grasp of the enemy, meant supremacy in the East, and a 
 situation that would not be tolerated by either Italy or 
 Austria. Therefore the British Admiral, recognising the 
 seriousness of the situation, and having received instructions 
 to return home and assist in the defence of Britain, mustered 
 his forces and cleared for action. The events that occurred 
 immediately afterwards are best related in the graphic and 
 interesting narrative which was subsequently written to a 
 friend by Captain Neville Eeed of the great steel battleship 
 Eamillics, and afterwards published, together \vith the ac- 
 companying sketch, in the Illustrated London News, as 
 follows : — 
 
 " After leaving Malta, we rounded the Adventure Bank off 
 the Sicilian coast, and headed due north past Elba and on to the 
 Gulf of Genoa. From Spezia we received despatclies, and after 
 anchoring for twelve hours, — during which time we were busy 
 completing our preparations, — sailed at midnight westward Off
 
 164 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 St. Tropez, near the Hyk^es Islands, in obedience to signals 
 from the flagship, the Empress of India, the ironclads Jwpiter, 
 Sa7is Pareil, Bepulse, with the cruisers Edgar, Dido, Diana, 
 Orlando, Undaunted, and Scout, the sloop Gannet, and five tor- 
 pedo boats, detached themselves from the Squadron, and after 
 exchanging further signals, bore away due south. Giving the 
 shore a wide olhng, we steamed along throughout the afternoon. 
 The Mediterranean had not yet been the scene of any bloody or 
 fatal conflict, but as we cut our way through the calm sunlit 
 waters with a brilliant cerulean sky above, the contrast between 
 our bright and lovely surroundings and the terrible realities of 
 the situation during those breathless hours of suspense still 
 dwells distinctly in my memory. 
 
 " It was our duty to fight the enemy, to beat him, and to pass 
 through the Straits of Gibraltar and help our comrades at home. 
 Every man, although totally unaware of his present destination, 
 felt that at last the moment had come when the supreme 
 ambition of his life was to be realised, and he was to strike a 
 blow for his country's honour. 
 
 " Apparently our Admiral was in no hurry. He no doubt 
 was awaiting events, for at sunset we lay-to about thirty miles 
 south of La Ciotat, and spent the calm bright night restlessly 
 anxious and keeping a sharp look-out for the enemy. There 
 was a hush of expectation over the ship, and scarcely a sound 
 broke the quiet save the lapping of the water against the smooth 
 sides of the ironclad, and no sign of force except the swish of 
 the waves falling on either side of the formidable and deadly 
 ram. 
 
 " Just after seven bells in the morning watch, however, we 
 resumed our voyage, and turning, went north again. Then, for 
 the first time, we knew the Admiral's intentions. An ulti- 
 matum had already been given. We were to lombard Marseilles ! 
 
 " Three hours later we came within view of the city. Seen 
 from the sea it has a certain amount of picturesqueness. In 
 the foreground there is the harbour, with a barren group of 
 islands at its entrance, and behind masses of yellow houses 
 covering an extensive valley, and white villas dotted over a
 
 Our Revenge in the Mediterranean 165 
 
 semicircle of green hills stretching in the rear. Prominent in 
 the landscape is the church of Notre Dame de la Garde, perched 
 on the eminence on the right ; while on the left there stands on 
 an island the Cliateau d'lf, rendered immortal by the adventures 
 of Monte Cristo ; and behind, on the broad Quai de la Joliette, 
 rises the tine Cathedral, built in alternate courses of black and 
 white stone. It is a handsome and wealthy city, with its fine 
 shady boulevard, the Cannebi^re running through its centre 
 from the Arc de Triomphe right down to the old port whence 
 the mail steamers depart. This city, teeming with life, it was 
 our duty to lay in ruins ! 
 
 " Knowing how strongly fortified it was, that upon each of 
 those hills were great batteries ready at a given signal to pour 
 out their deadly hail, and that under the blue waters were 
 mines which might be exploded from the shore at any moment, 
 we made preparations for counter-mining, and then cautiously 
 approached within range. Suddenly, however, having got into 
 position and laid our guns, we received the anxiously expected 
 order, and a few moments later opened a terrific and almost 
 simultaneous fire. 
 
 " Through my glass I could clearly distinguish the terrible 
 confusion being caused in the streets as our shells fell and burst 
 on the Quai de la Joliette, in the Cannebiere, and the Boulevard 
 de I'Empereur. 
 
 " The first taste of our guns had produced a terrible panic, 
 for a shell from the Dreadnought, lying next to us, had struck 
 the tower of the Cathedral and brought down a great quantity 
 of masonry, while another shell from one of our 67-ton guns, 
 bursting in the Palais de Justice with terrible effect, had 
 ignited it. 
 
 " It was our first shot, and the gun had been well sighted ; 
 but ere we fired again such a storm of shell burst upon us that I 
 confess for a moment I stood in my conning-tower motionless 
 in surprise. On all sides the Prench had apparently established 
 batteries. From the great Port St. Jean at the entrance to the 
 port, and from the Batterie du Phare on the opposite side, flame 
 and smoke belched from heavy guns continuously. Prom a small
 
 i66 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 battery in the Chateau d'lf, from another on the rocky pro- 
 montory on the right known as the Edoume, from a number of 
 smaller ones established on the hills of rOriol and the Citadel, 
 as well as from the great fortress of Notre Dame de la Garde 
 on the highest hill, a little to the right of the city, there came 
 an incessant thunder, and dozens of shots ricochetted over the 
 placid water towards us, 
 
 "In a few moments, however, my 67-tonners were again 
 adding to the deafening roar, my ten 6-inch quick-firing guns 
 were sending out their messengers of death, and my smaller 
 arms, consisting of 3 and 16-ponnders, were acting their part in 
 the sudden outburst. We had attacked the town without 
 intention of investment, but simply to destroy it, and as the 
 minutes slipped by, and I peered through my glass, I could see 
 how devastating were our enormous modern shells. 
 
 " All our guns were now trained upon the forts, and the 
 bombardment was most vigorous. The six coast-defence ships, 
 which endeavoured to drive us off, we quickly put out of action, 
 capturing one, torpedoing two, and disabling the three others ; 
 while up to the present, although a number of shots from the 
 land batteries had struck us, we sustained no serious damage. 
 
 " We were avenging Hull and Newcastle. Into the panic- 
 stricken town we were pouring an unceasing storm of shell, 
 which swept away whole streets of handsome buildings, and 
 killed hundreds of those flying for safety into the country. 
 Watching, I saw one shot from one of my bow barbette guns 
 crash into the roof of the fine new Hotel du Louvre, in the 
 Cannebiere. The French Tricolor on the flagstaff toppled over 
 into the street, and a second later the clouds of smoke and the 
 debris which shot up showed plainly the awful results of the 
 bursting shell. 
 
 " Time after time my 67-tonners crashed and roared, time 
 after time I pressed my fingers upon the little knobs in the 
 conning-tower, and huge projectiles were discharged right into 
 the forts. In conjunction with the never-ceasing fire of com- 
 panion ships, we rained iron in a continuous stream that 
 wrought havoc in the defences and destroyed all the buildings
 
 Our Revenge in the Mediterranean 167 
 
 that oflered targets. In an hour the Arsenal behind the Palais 
 de Justice was laid in ruins, the fine Hotel de Ville was a mere 
 heap of smouldering debris, the Bourse, and the great Library m 
 the Boulevard du Mus^e were half wrecked by shells, and the 
 Custom House, the Gendarmerie, and the Prefecture were 
 burning furiously. The Chateau du Phare on the headland at 
 the entrance to the fort was suffering frightfully, and the shells 
 that had struck the Citadel and the fort of Notre Dame had 
 been terribly effective. Every part of the city from the 
 Promenade du Prado to the Botanical Gardens was being swept 
 continuously by our fire, and from the black smoke curling 
 upward in the sunlight we knew that many broad handsome 
 streets were in flames. Excited over their work of revenge, my 
 guns' crews worked on with a contemptuous disregard for the 
 withering fire being poured upon us from the land. They 
 meant, they said, to teach the Frenchmen a lesson, and they 
 certainly did. Around us shots from the batteries fell thickly, 
 sending up huge columns of water. Suddenly a shell struck 
 the liamillies forward in front of the barbette, and burst like 
 the rending of a thundercloud. The deck was torn up, a dozen 
 men were maimed or killed, poor fellows ! but the solid face of 
 the barbette held its own, and the muzzles of our two great 
 guns remained untouched. 
 
 " Several shots from the Notre Dame Port and the Endoume 
 Battery then struck us in quick succession. One was particu- 
 larly disastrous, for, crashing into the battery on the port side, 
 it burst, disabling one of the 6-inch guns, and killing the whole 
 gun's crew in an instant. The effect was frightful, for the 
 whole space around was wrecked, and not a man escaped. 
 
 " Such are the fortunes of war ! A few moments later we 
 turned our heavy guns upon the Endoume Battery, perched up 
 upon the rocky headland, and together with the Bmjnrss of 
 India and the Victorious thundered forth our great projectiles 
 upon it in a manner wdiich must have been terribly discon- 
 certing. The battery replied vigorously at first, but the Nile, 
 noticing the direction in which we had turned our attention, 
 trained her guns upon the same fort, and let loose a perfect 
 12
 
 1 68 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 hail of devastating shell. "Without ceasing for a second, we 
 played upon it, and could distinguish even with the naked 
 eye how completely we were destroying it, until half an 
 hour later we found that the Frenchmen had ceased to reply. 
 We had silenced their guns, and, in fact, totally wrecked the 
 fort. 
 
 " Several of our vessels were, however, severely feeling the 
 fire from the Notre Dame Fortress and that of St. Jean. 
 Nearly one hundred men on board the Trafalgar had been 
 killed; while two shots, entering one of the broadside batteries 
 of the flagship, had caused frightful havoc, and had blown to 
 atoms over forty men and three officers. A torpedo boat that 
 had approached the French coast-defence ship just before she 
 was captured had been sunk by a shot, but the crew were 
 fortunately all rescued, after much difficulty, by the sloop 
 Dolpliin, whicli had severely suffered herself from the vigorous 
 fire from the Batterie du Phare. The funnel of the Nile had 
 been carried away by a shot from the Citadel, while among the 
 more conspicuous British losses was a serious catastrophe 
 which had occurred on board the Hood by the premature 
 explosion of a torpedo, by which a sub-lieutenant and thirty- 
 three men were launched into eternity, and sixteen men very 
 severely wounded. The engines of the Arethusa were also broken. 
 
 " The smoke rising from the bombarded city increased every 
 moment in density, and even in the daylight we could dis- 
 tinguish the flames. The centre of Marseilles was burning 
 furiously, and the fire was now spreading unchecked. One of 
 our objects had been to destroy the immense quantity of war 
 stores, and in this we were entirely successful. We had 
 turned our united efforts upon the Fort St. Jean down at 
 the harbour entrance and that of Notre Dame high on the 
 hill. Pounding away at these, time slipped by until the 
 sun sank in a blaze of crimson and gold. Both forts made a 
 gallant defence, but each of our shots went home, and through 
 my glasses I watched the awful result. Suddenly a terrific 
 report caused the whole city to tremble. One of our shots had 
 apparently entered the powder magazine in the Fort St. Jean,
 
 ■n 
 
 
 3 <!
 
 Our Revknge in the Mediterranean 169 
 
 and it had Wown up, producing an appalling catastrophe from 
 which the fortress could never recover. 
 
 " By this time the whole of the shipping in the docks was 
 burning furiously, and the congested part of the city lying 
 between the port and the Lyons Kailway Station was like a 
 huge furnace. The sight was one of terrible grandeur. 
 
 "Presently, just as the sun sank behind the grey night 
 clouds, we ceased fire, and then gazed with calm satisfaction 
 upon the result of our bombardment. AVe had treated a. 
 French city in the same manner as the French and Russians 
 had treated our own homes, and we could look upon this scene 
 of destruction and death without a pang of remorse. But that 
 was not all. When our guns were silent we could distinctly 
 hear vigorous rifle firing at the back of the city. Then M-e- 
 knew the truth. 
 
 " While we had been attacking Marseilles from the sea, the 
 Italians, who a w^eek before had crossed the frontier, and with 
 the Germans occupied Lyons, had co-operated with us on land,, 
 and the terror-stricken ]\Larseillais, henjmed in by fire and 
 bullets on either side, had been swept away in thousands. 
 
 "The scenes in the streets were, we afterw\ards learnt, 
 awful; and although the garrison offered a desperate resistance 
 to the Italians along tlie valley near the Chateau des Fleurs, 
 most of them were killed, and nearly three thousand of their 
 number taken prisoners. But the Italians were unable to 
 enter Marseilles themselves, as, long before they had succeeded 
 in breaking up the land defences, we had set the place on fire, 
 and now, as night fell, the great city was one mass of flames,, 
 the lurid light from which illuminated sky and sea with a 
 bright red glare." 
 
 The blazing African sun was fading, flooding the calm 
 sapphire Mediterranean with its blood-red afterglow. The air 
 was oppressive, the wind blew hot from the desert, and shoals 
 of tiny green birds were chattering before roosting in the oasis- 
 of tall date palms that cast long shadows over the sun-baked
 
 ijo The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 stones of the Place du Gouvernement at Algiers. Everything 
 was of a dazzling whiteness, relieved only by the blue sky and 
 sea. The broad, handsome Square was almost deserted, the 
 jalousies of the European houses were still closed, and although 
 a few people were sipping absinthe at the caft^s, the siesta was 
 not yet over. 
 
 At one corner of the Square the Mosque of Djama-el- 
 Djedid, with its dome and minarets, stood out intensely white 
 against the bright, cloudless sky, its spotless cleanliness 
 causing the white-washed houses of Europeans to appear 
 yellow and dingy ; and as the mucddin stood on one of the 
 minarets with arms uplifted, calling the Faithful to prayer, idle 
 Moors and Arabs, who had been lying asleep in the shadow 
 during the afternoon, rose quickly, rearranged their burnouses, 
 and entered the Mosque in order to render thanks to Allah. 
 
 Darkness crept on after a brief twilight. Moorish women, 
 wrapped in their white haichs, wearing tlieir ugly baggy 
 trousers, and veiled to the eyes, waddled along slowly and 
 noiselessly among the palms, and gradually a gay cosmopolitan 
 crowd assembled in the Place to enjoy the lei fresco after the 
 terrible heat of the day, and to listen to the fine band of the 
 1st Zouaves, which had already taken up its stand in the 
 centre of the Square, and was now playing one of Strauss's 
 •dreamy waltzes. 
 
 The night was bright and starlit, one of those calm, mystic 
 •evenings p'eculiar to North Africa. All was peaceful, but no 
 moon had yet risen. The city wore its gay air of carelessness. 
 White-robed Moors and red-fezzed Arabs, negroes from the 
 Soudan, and Biskris in their blue burnouses, lounged, chat- 
 tered, and promenaded, while the cafes and bazaars around 
 were full of life, and the warm, balmy air was laden with the 
 scent of flowers. 
 
 Suddenly, without warning, the whole place was illumin- 
 ated by a brilliant light from the sea. Slowly it swept the 
 town, and a few seconds later other bright beams shot forth, 
 lighting up the quays, the terraces of white, flat-roofed houses, 
 and the Moorish city on tlie hill. Then, before the promenaders
 
 Our Revenge in the Mediterranean 171 
 
 could realise the cause, a loud booming was heard at sea, 
 and almost at the same moment a shell fell, and, exploding- 
 in the midst of them, blew a dozen Moors and Arabs into 
 atoms. 
 
 In a few seconds the cannonade increased, and the battery 
 in the centre of the harbour replied. Then firing seemed tO' 
 proceed from all quarters, and a storm of shell suddenly- 
 crashed upon the town with the most appalling effect. 
 
 British war-vessels had crept up within range, and were 
 pouring the vials of Britain's wrath upon the ancient city of 
 the Deys ! 
 
 The detachment of vessels which, led by the new battleship 
 Jupiter, went south from St. Tropez, had received instructions 
 to destroy Algiers and return with all speed to Cagliari, in 
 Sardinia, to await further instructions. The bombardment of 
 the two cities simultaneously was in order to draw off the 
 French Squadron from the position it had taken up near 
 Gibraltar, so that the British could fight and then run past 
 them into the Atlantic. 
 
 How far the manoeuvre succeeded is shown in the few 
 interesting details of the bombardment given in the course of 
 an interview which a reporter of the Daily Tdegraioh had with 
 Lieut. George Ingleton, of the first-class cruiser Edgar. The 
 officer said : — 
 
 " We arrived off Algiers two hours after sundown, and after 
 an inspection with search-lights, began to let fly with our big 
 guns. In a few minutes the Al-Djefna Battery in the centre of 
 the harbour replied, and a moment later a very rigorous fire 
 was poured forth from Fort Neuf on the right and Forts Bab- 
 Azzoun and Conde on the left. All four -were very strong, and 
 in conjunction with coast - defence vessels offered a most 
 vigorous resistance. So suddenly did we fire upon the town,, 
 that a frightful panic must have been caused. Before we had 
 fired half a dozen times, a shot from one of our 22-tonners 
 crashed into the dome of the Mosque and totally demolished it, 
 while another particularly well-aimed shell struck the Mairie, 
 a big handsome building on the Boulevard de la Iiepublique>
 
 172 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 facing the sea, tearing out a portion of the front. Then, 
 turning our guns upon the long row of shops, banks, and 
 hotels which formed the Boulevard, we pouuded away most 
 effectively, while several of our other vessels attended to the 
 forts. 
 
 " During the first half-hour the four warships of the enemy 
 gave us considerable trouble, but very soon our torpedoes had 
 sunk two of them, and the other two were quickly captured. 
 
 " Meanwhile, under the hot fire from the forts, the bom- 
 bardment grew exciting. Shells were ricochetting on the water 
 all round us, but our search-lights being now shut off, we 
 offered a very indistinct target to the enemy. On nearly all 
 our ships, however, there were some slight casualties. A shell 
 severely damaged the superstructure of the Jupiter, while 
 others rendered useless several of her machine guns. A shell 
 penetrated the Gannet, unfortunately killing fourteen blue- 
 jackets ; and had it not been that the deck of the Edgar was 
 protected throughout, the consequences to us would also have 
 been very serious. Nevertheless, our two 22-ton guns rendered 
 valuable service, and contributed in no small measure to the 
 demolition of the town. 
 
 "From the outset we could see that Algiers was totally 
 imprepared for attack, and, continuing our fire calmly and 
 regularly, we watched the flames bursting forth in every part 
 of the town and leaping skyward. On shore the guns kept up 
 their roaring thunder, although by aid of glasses we could 
 detect how effectual were our shells in wrecking the fortifica- 
 tions and laying in ruins the European quarter. Every 
 moment we were dealing terrible blows which shook the city 
 to its foundations. The formidable city walls availed them 
 nothing, for we could drop our shells anywhere we pleased, 
 either on the hill at Mustapha or upon the pretty Moorish 
 villas that lined the shore at St. Eugene. 
 
 "Blazing away at long range upon the town, we spread 
 destruction everywhere. Houses toppled like packs of cards, 
 mosques were blown into the air, and public buildings swept 
 away like grains of sand before the sirocco. Under such a fire
 
 Our Revenge in the Mediterranean 17 
 
 / 6 
 
 thousands of natives and Europeans must have perished, for we 
 were determined to carry out our intentions, and teach the in- 
 vaders a lesson they were not likely to easily forget. Time after 
 time our heavy guns crashed, while our 6-inch quick-firers kept 
 up their roar, and our machine guns rattled continuously. As 
 the hours went by, and we continued our work of merciless 
 destruction, we were hit once or twice, but beyond the loss of 
 two men and some unimportant damage we escaped further 
 punisliment. 
 
 " The roar of our guns was deafening, and the smoke hung 
 over the calm sea like a storm-cloud. Still we kept on in the 
 lace of the galling fire from the shore, and before midnight had 
 the satisfaction of witnessing a magnificent spectacle, for the 
 isolated conflagrations gradually united and the whole town 
 was in flames. 
 
 "We had accomplished our work, so with cheers for Old 
 England we gave a parting shot, and turning were soon 
 steaming away towards the Sicilian coast, leaving Algiers a 
 mass of roaring flame. 
 
 " The journey was uneventful until just before noon on the 
 following day. I was at that time on duty, and suddenly, to 
 my surprise, detected a number of ships. By the aid of our 
 glasses, the captain and I found to our dismay that a number 
 of the most powerful vessels of the Eussian Fleet were bearing 
 down upon us ! All our other vessels had made the same 
 discovery, and I must confess that the meeting was somewhat 
 disconcerting. The strength of the Eussian ironclads was such 
 as to cause our hearts to beat more quickly. To engage that 
 great force meant certain defeat, while it was necessary that 
 our Admiral off INfarseilles should know of the whereabouts of 
 this hostile squadron, therefore we resolved to get away. But 
 although we altered our course and put on all speed, we were, 
 alas ! unsuccessful. At last we determined at all hazards to 
 stick to our guns so long as we were afloat, and as the first of 
 the Tsar's ironclads drew^ within range, one of our 22-tonners 
 thundered. The white smoke, driven forward, tumbled over 
 our bows. We had spoken the first word of battle • "
 
 CHAPTEE XXI. 
 
 A NAVAL FIGHT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. 
 
 HE great naval force of the Tsar, with which we 
 were now face to face," continued Lieutenant 
 Ingleton in his narrative, "consisted of the 
 new battleship Fetropavlovsk of 10,960 tons, 
 with a speed of 17 knots ; the great turret- 
 ship Dvenadsat Jpostoloff of 8076 tons ; the 
 two new barbette-ships Kama and Vologda of the Cizoi Veliky 
 type; the Tchcsm6 of 10,181 tons, the Ghcorghy Pohyednosets 
 of 10,280 tons, and the powerful Tria Sviatitdia of 12,480 
 tons ; the two enormous new cruisers Tiumcn and Minsk, both 
 of 17,000 tons, and running at 20 knots ; the Vladimir Mono- 
 mach of 5754 tons ; the armoured gunboat Olvazny, and the 
 new rams Admiral Scniavine and Admiral Uschakoff, with 
 thirty torpedo boats, including the Kodor, licni, Anakria, and 
 Adlcr, the latter being able to run at 274 knots. 
 
 " Against such a gigantic force as this our small force of 
 vessels °and torpedo boats presented but a sorry appearance. 
 Nevertheless we had fired the first shot, and were now de- 
 termined to die rather than haul down our colours. As our 
 guns thundered, those of the Jupiter, Bcpulse, Sans Pareil, 
 Undaunted, Orlando, Diana, Scout, and Gamut joined in noisy 
 chorus. The 12-inch guns in the turrets of the Petro- 
 pavlovsJc and the four "big guns in the barbettes of the 
 Tria Sviatitelia crashed out together, and almost immediately 
 afterwards we found ourselves being swept from stem to stem 
 
 174
 
 A Naval Fight and its Consequences 175 
 
 by the enemy's shells. The Russian l)attleships were all well 
 armoured, and had a much heavier shell fire than the vessels 
 of either France or Britain. We were both in columns of 
 divisions in line ahead, but from the first moment of the en- 
 gagement our position was critical. 
 
 " A terrific and deadly storm burst upon us from the enemy's 
 tops, while his heavy guns kept up an incessant thunder. 
 With such an enormous force against us, it was apparent to 
 every man on board that disaster was imminent. It had, alas I 
 never been graven sufficiently deep upon the public mind how 
 absurdly weak we were in the Mediterranean. Here, as in all 
 other squadrons, every grade of officer from commander down- 
 wards was deficient in numbers, and the ships in commission 
 had for years been so much below their complement that the 
 work had only been carried on with great difficulty. Other 
 ships at home had been obliged to wait until a sufficient 
 number of merchant seamen and half-trained engine-room 
 staff could be scraped together to provide the semblance of 
 a crew. In fact, successive British Governments of both 
 parties had subordinated national necessities to a desire to 
 evade a material increase in taxation, and now at last our 
 jNIediterranean Squadron were compelled to face the inevitable. 
 
 " The insidious cunning and patient methods to which the 
 ilussians resort in order to attain their aims and break their 
 boundaries had once more been illustrated. They had, by dint 
 of extraordinary chicanery, secured absolute possession of the 
 small Turkish peninsula known as Mount Athos. Situated 
 near the entrance of the Gulf of Salonica, it was a paramount 
 strategical position, and its possessor was now enabled to keep 
 watch upon Macedonia, and in the meantime be very near the 
 Dardanelles, and also Asia Minor. The possession was accom- 
 plished in a curiously secret manner, showing to what extent 
 Kussian foresight and artifice is carried. For years past the 
 Societe Slav de Bicvfaisance had been sending, through a bank 
 in Salonica, large sums of money to further the aim. To the 
 casual observer there was nothing extraordinary about this, 
 for the Russians had established on the lofty heights several
 
 176 The Great War in England in 1S97 
 
 monasteries, converting the place into a clerical settlement. 
 This fact was pointed out by the Pall Mall Gazette as far back 
 as 1893, but the British public at that time failed to detect any 
 Russian intrigue. 
 
 " Gradually, however, Muscovite roubles purchased the 
 surrounding property, and Greek convents were reduced to 
 poverty while Russian institutions flourished and increased. 
 But, strangely enough, the inmates of these monasteries were 
 suddenly discovered to be mock clerics, and then it was disclosed 
 that under the cover of monastic garments and robes were to 
 be found the Tsar's soldiers, performing a three years' special 
 and specific military service ! 
 
 " Yet, owing to the Sultan's weakness, to the almighty back- 
 sheesh, and to the short-sightedness of Turkish statesmen, the 
 Piussians were not dislodged, but the position was actually 
 ceded to them, with the result that they had now firmly 
 established themselves where they were enabled to counteract 
 British action and influence. A naval station had been 
 established for their Mediterranean Squadron at Poros, off the 
 eastern coast of the Peloponnesus, some fifteen miles due south 
 of the island of ^Egina. Here there were three miles of deep 
 water safe from sea attack, with an arsenal and dockyard, on 
 the very weakest point along the line of our highway between 
 England and India ! Such was the manner in which our power 
 in the Mediterranean had been undermined ! 
 
 "There was, however, no time for reflection amid the 
 deafening roar. This Black Sea Fleet that had burst its bonds 
 and passed through the Dardanelles intended to sweep us from 
 the sea. Yet, notwithstanding the terrible fire pouring upon us 
 from these great and powerful ships, each fully equipped with 
 the latest and most improved arms, fully manned by well- 
 trained men, and fresh for the fray, we held our quarters, 
 determined to show the forces of the Tsar defiance. Even 
 though every man of us might be sent to an untimely grave,^ 
 the Eussian flag should never surmount the White Ensign of 
 Britain. We were determined, so we set our teeth, and showed 
 a firm and vigorous front to the foe.
 
 A Naval Fight and its Consequenxes 177 
 
 " Our two 22-toiiners rendered adiniral)le service, aud the 
 cannonade kept up from our 3 and G-pounder quick-firing 
 jiuns was ])laying havoc with the Eussian belted cruiser 
 Vladimir Monomach lying on our port quarter. The vessel 
 was slightly larger than ourselves, carrying much heavier 
 armaments, including four 13-ton guns, and twelve 4-tonners. 
 She was indeed a very formidable opponent, nevertheless 
 we did our best, and, blazing away at close quarters, soon 
 succeeded in silencing the starboard 13-tonner nearest us. 
 
 " Just at this moment I found we were being attacked on 
 the port bow by the enormous new turret-ship Pctropcniovsh and 
 the Dve7iadsat Ajwstoloff. Two of the heavy 12-inch guns of 
 the former thundered almost simultaneously, and both shells 
 striking us almost amidships, caused us such a shock that for a 
 second I stood breathless. 
 
 " In a few moments, however, it was reported that our 
 * vitals ' had fortunately escaped, and we continued firing as if 
 no catastrophe had occurred. As a matter of fact, the damage 
 caused by those two shells was appalling. 
 
 " The Jiipitcr, steaming about two miles away on our star- 
 board quarter, was apparently holding her own against the 
 Ijarbette-ships Tchcsme and Ghcorghy Pobycdnoscts, the cruiser 
 2'iumc7i, one of the largest in the world, and the new ram 
 Admiral Scniavine. The four attacking vessels, as seen through 
 the dense smoke, were pouring into the British ship a deadly fire ; 
 yet, judging from the fallen tops and disabled engines of the 
 Glicorgliy Pohycdnosds and the wrecked superstructure of the 
 TclirsmS, the Jnintcrs heavy armaments were executing good 
 work, notwithstanding the strength of the Tchcsmd's six 50-ton 
 guns, admirably arranged in pairs in the centre of the vessel. 
 
 " The Diana and Sa7is Pareil, lying near to one another, were 
 desperately resisting the vigorous attack made by the Admiral 
 UscJiaJiof, Mi7isl\ 01 vazny, Kama, and Vologda; and here again, 
 amid smoke and tiying ddbris, I could distinguish that the 
 67-tonners of the Ilcpulsc, in co-operation with the lighter 
 weapons of the Undaunted, were giving the enemy a taste of 
 what British courage could accomplish.
 
 178 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 " The sea around us simply swarmed with Eussian torpedo- 
 boats, and it required all our vigilance to evade their continued 
 attacks. Before an hour had passed we had succeeded in sink- 
 ing two by shots from our 6-inch guns, and several more were 
 sent to the bottom by well-aimed projectiles from the Dido 
 and Jupiter. 
 
 " As for ourselves, projectiles were sweeping across our deck 
 like hail, and under the incessant and fearful fire we were 
 suffering frightfully. Over sixty of our men and a sub- 
 lieutenant had been killed, while forty-nine were severely 
 wounded. Once I had occasion to go below, and between decks 
 the sight that met my gaze was awful. 
 
 " Around two of the quick-firing guns on our port quarter 
 lay the guns' crews, mutilated by shells from the Vladimir 
 Monomach. They had been killed almost instantly while 
 standing bravely at their posts. The scene was appalling. The 
 mangled masses of humanity amid which the surgeons were at 
 work were awful to look upon, and I rushed up again with the 
 terrible scene photographed indelibly upon my memory. 
 
 " Meanwhile the ship was in the greatest peril. The con- 
 tinual bursting of shells upon her shook and shattered her, and 
 she trembled violently as, time after time, her own guns uttered 
 their thundering reply to her enemies. Heeling now this way, 
 now that, as the helm was put hard over to avoid a blow, the 
 situation on board was intensely exciting. 
 
 " Those were terrible moments. The captain suddenly 
 noticed the movements of the Vladimir Monomach, and divined 
 her intentions. She had ceased firing, and by a neatly executed 
 manoeuvre was preparing to ram us. In a moment our helm 
 was put over again, and the Edgar answered to it immediately. 
 
 " ' Keady bow tube ! ' I heard the captain shout hoarsely. 
 He waited a few moments, allowing the Eussian ironclad to 
 partially perform her evolution, then just as she came almost 
 into collision with us he shrieked ' Fire bow tube ! ' at the same 
 time bringing us over further to port. 
 
 " The seconds seemed hours. Suddenly there was a loud 
 explosion, a great column of water rose under the Eussian's.
 
 A Naval Fight and its Consequences 179 
 
 bow, and we knew the torpedo had struck. At that moment, 
 too, even while the water was still in the air, one of our tor- 
 pedo boats which had crept up under the Vladimir Monomach's 
 stern sent another torpedo at her, which also hit its mark and 
 ripped her up. Turning our guns upon the armoured cruiser, 
 we poured volley alter volley into her, but she did not reply, 
 for her men were panic-stricken, and she was sinking fast. 
 
 " The Pctrojxivlovsk, leaving us, endeavoured to rescue her 
 crew, but ere a dozen men were saved, she settled down bow fore- 
 most, and disappeared into the deep, carrying down with her 
 nearly five hundred officers and men. 
 
 " The Dvenadsat Aposioloff kept up her fire upon us, and a 
 few moments later I witnessed another disaster, for a shot from 
 one of her bow guns struck the torpedo boat that had just 
 assisted us, and sank it. A few minutes later a loud explosion 
 in the direction of the Sans Pareil attracted my attention, and, 
 turning, I saw amid the smoke-clouds debris precipitated high 
 into the air. A shot from one of her 111-ton guns had pene- 
 trated to the magazine of the Admiral Seniavine, which had 
 exploded, causing a frightful disaster on board that vessel, and 
 just at the same moment a cheer from the crew of one of our 
 6-inch guns prompted me to look for the cause, which I found 
 in the fact that they had shot the Russian colours completely 
 away from the Dvenadsat Apostoloff. 
 
 " Again another frightful explosion sounded loud above the 
 incessant din, and to my satisfaction I saw a great column of 
 water rise around the Admiral Vschakoff, which, fighting at close 
 quarters with the Dido, had apparently been torpedoed. Xot 
 satisfied with this, the captain of the Dido, keeping his 
 machine guns going, turned his vessel and discharged a second 
 "Whitehead, which also struck with such terrible effect that the 
 liussian ship began at once to sink, and in a few minutes the 
 blue waves closed for ever over her tops, ere a score or so out 
 of her crew of 300 could be rescued. 
 
 "It was nearly three bells, and the sun was setting. A 
 galling fire from the machine guns in the foretop of the Dvenadsat 
 Apostoloff suddenly swept our deck, killing a dozen poor fellows
 
 i8o The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 who were at work clearing away some debris, and at the same 
 moment a shot from one of her 52-ton guns crashed into our 
 port quarter, and must have caused terrible havoc among the 
 guns' crews. A moment later we were dismayed by the report 
 that our steering-gear had been broken. For a few seconds we 
 were helplessly swinging round under the awful fire which was 
 now pouring from the great guns of the Kussian ironclad, and 
 our captain was making strenuous efforts to recover control of 
 the ship, when I saw the torpedo boat Anahria shoot suddenly 
 across our bows, then quickly slacken as she got to starboard 
 of us. 
 
 " A second later I realised her intention, and shouted frantic- 
 ally. A line of bubbles had appeared on the surface advancing 
 swiftly towards us. She had ejected a torpedo straight at us, 
 and I stood petrified, not daring to breathe. 
 
 "A moment later there came a terrific explosion right 
 underneath us, followed by a harsh tearing sound as iron plates 
 were torn asunder like tinfoil, and the ship's side was ripped 
 completely up. The Edgar heaved high and plunged heavily, 
 a great column of water rose high above her masts, and 
 the air seemed filled with flying fragments of iron and wood. 
 The vessel rocked and swayed so that we could not keep our 
 feet, and then gradually heeling over, causing her guns to 
 shift, she went down before a soul on board could launch 
 a boat. 
 
 " At the moment of the explosion I felt a sharp twinge in 
 the back, and found that I had been struck by a flying splinter 
 of steel. The strain of those hours had been terrible, and of 
 the events that followed I can only recollect two things. I 
 remember finding myself struggling alone in the water with 
 a shower of bullets from the Dvenadsat Aposiuloff's tops sending 
 up little splashes about me. Then I felt my strength failing, 
 my limbs seemed paralysed, and I could no longer strike out 
 to save myself. Abandoning all hope, I was sinking, when 
 suddenly a rope was flung to me. I remember how frantically 
 I clutched it, and that a few moments later I was hauled aboard 
 a torpedo boat ; but for days afterwards 1 lay hovering 'twixt
 
 A Naval Fight and its Consequences i8i 
 
 life and death, oLlivious to all. I was one of the tliirteen only 
 who were saved out of a crew of 327 Lrave ofiicers and men." 
 
 Such a ghastly disaster could only produce profound dis- 
 may among those who manned the remaining British vessels. 
 Straining every nerve to uphold the lionour of Britain, the 
 guns' crews of the Jupiter, Sans Parcil, lleimhe, and Undaunted, 
 with smoke-begrimed hands and faces, worked on with that 
 indomitable energy begotten of despair. Begardless of the 
 awful rain of shot and shell, they reloaded and fired with calm, 
 dogged self-possession, the officers on all four vessels inspiring 
 their men by various deeds of valour, and preserving such dis° 
 cipline under fire as none but British sailors could. The 
 British naval officer is full of undaunted defiance and con- 
 tempt for his foes ; but, above all, he is a strict disciplinarian, 
 and to tliis our country in a great measure owes the supremacy 
 our Navy has hitherto enjoyed upon the seas. During the fight 
 the vessels had been moving in a north-easterly direction, and 
 
 although the Bussians were unaware of the fact, Her Majesty's 
 ships had therefore continued in their course. Hence, just as 
 a cool breeze sprang up at sundown, soon after the Edrjar had 
 
 sunk, a line of low dark cliffs was sighted ab.ead. 
 
 The officers of the Diana, watching anxiously through their 
 
 glasses, distinguished the distant crest of Mount Genargentu 
 
 gradually appearing against the clear evening sky, and then 
 
 they knew that they were off Sardinia, outside the Gulf of 
 
 Oristano. 
 
 Altering their course, they headed due north, still keej^ing 
 
 up a running fire, but the Bussians prevented them making 
 
 headway. 
 
 All our vessels were suffering frightfully, when there was 
 
 a sudden explosion, and, to the Englishmen's dismay, it was 
 
 seen that a torpedo had struck the Undaunted nearly amidships. 
 
 Still the doomed vessel managed to evade a second attack, 
 
 and by a desperate manoeuvre the captain succeeded in turning' 
 
 and heading for land. 
 
 The remaining ships, in their terribly crippled condition, 
 
 would, the Bussians anticipated, soon fall an easy prey.
 
 1 82 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Nevertheless, with their crews decimated, their guns disabled, 
 and their machinery damaged, the British vessels still continued 
 firing, the men resolved to go down at their quarters. Tliey 
 knew that escape was hopeless, and every moment they saw 
 their comrades being swept away by the great exploding pro- 
 jectiles of the Tsar's heavy guns. But they were not dismayed. 
 To do their utmost for the defence of Britain, to keep afloat as 
 long as possible, and to die like Britons with faces towards 
 the foe, was their duty. Pale and desperate, they were fighting 
 for their country and their Queen, knowing that only a grave 
 in the deep and the honour of those at home would be the 
 reward of their bravery — that at any moment they might be 
 launched into the unknown. 
 
 Suddenly there was a loud shouting on board the Jupiter, 
 and signals were, a moment later, run up to her half-wrecked 
 top. The captain of the Dido, noticing this, looked to ascertain 
 the cause, and saw away on the horizon to the north, whence 
 the dark night clouds were rising, a number of strange craft. 
 Snatching up his glass, he directed it on the strangers, and 
 discovered that they were Italian warships, and were exchanging 
 rapid signals with the captain. They were promising assist- 
 ance ! 
 
 Cheers rang loudly through the British vessels, when, a few 
 minutes later, the truth became known, and the guns' crews 
 worked with redoubled energy, while the Eussians, noticing the 
 approaching ships, were apparently undecided how to act. 
 They were given but little time for reflection, however, for 
 within half an hour the first of the great Italian ironclads, the 
 Lcpanto, opened fire upon the Fdropavlovsk, and was quickly 
 followed by others, until tlie action became general all round. 
 
 Aid had arrived just in time, and the British vessels, with 
 engines broken, stood away at some distance, leaving matters 
 for the nonce to the powerful Italian Squadron. It was 
 indeed a very formidable one, and its appearance caused the 
 Kussian Admiral such misgivings that he gave orders to retreat, 
 a manoeuvre attempted unsuccessfully. The Italian Fleet, as 
 it loomed up in the falling gloom, included no fewer than
 
 A Naval Fight and its Consequences 183 
 
 twenty-six warships and forty- three tor])edo boats. The 
 vessels consisted of the barbette - ship Lepanto of 15,000 
 tons; the Sardcgna, Sicilia, and lie Umhcrto of 13,000 
 tons ; the Andrea Doria, Francesca Morosini, and Ruggicro 
 di Lauria of 11,000 tons; the turret-ships Dandolo and 
 Duilio of the same size ; the Ammeraglio di St. Bon of 9800 
 tons ; the armoured cruisers Ancona, Castclfidardo, and Maria 
 Pia, and the San Martino, each of about 4500 tons; the 
 gun-vessels Andrea Frovana, Cariddi, Castore, Curtatone ; the 
 torpedo gunboats Aretusa, Atlante, Etiridice, Iridc, Montchello, 
 and Monzamhano ; the despatch vessels GaUlco and Vcdetta ; and 
 the first-class torpedo vessels Aquila, Avvoltoio, Falco, Nihhio, 
 and Sparviero, and thirty- eight others. 
 
 With such a force descending upon the Eussian ships, 
 which had already been very severely punished by the vigorous 
 fire of the British, there was little wonder that the Tsar's 
 vessels should endeavour to escape. The Italian Fleet had 
 already bombarded and destroyed Ajaccio two days ago, 
 and, steaming south from the Corsican capital, had anchored 
 for twenty-four hours off Cape della Caccia, near Alghero, 
 in the north of Sardinia. Then again taking a southerly 
 course in the expectation of joining hands with the British 
 Mediterranean Squadron, which was on its way from 
 Marseilles to Cagliari, they had fallen in with the three 
 crippled ships. 
 
 Without hesitation the powerful Italian ironclads, several 
 of which were among the finest in the world, opened a terrific 
 fire upon the Eussian ships, and as darkness fell the sight was 
 one of appalling grandeur. From all sides flame rushed from 
 turrets and barbettes in vivid flashes, while the Maxims in the 
 tops poured out their deadly showers of bullets. The 
 ponderous 105-ton guns of the Andrea Doria, Francesca Moro- 
 sini, and linggiero di Lauria crashed and roared time after 
 time, their great shots causing frightful havoc among the 
 Eussian ships, the four 100-touners of the Lepanto and the 
 67-tonners of the Re Uniberto, Sardcgna, and Sicilia simply 
 knocking to pieces the Petropavlovsh The Eussian ships were 
 
 13
 
 184 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 receiving terrible blows on every baud. With their search- 
 lights beaming forth in all directions, the ships were fighting 
 fiercely, pounding away at each other with deafening din. It 
 was not long, however, before this vigorous attack of the 
 Italians began to tell, for within an hour of the first shot from 
 the Lepanto the fine Eussian battleship Gheorghy Pobyednosets 
 and the great new cruiser Minsk of 17,000 tons had been 
 rammed and sunk, the former by the Duilio, anti the latter 
 by the Be Umherto, while the Tcliesm4 and the gunboat 
 Otvazny had been torpedoed, and scarcely a soul saved out of 
 1500 men who were on board. 
 
 Explosions were occurring in quick succession, and red 
 glares flashed momentarily over the sea. Hither and thither 
 as the Italian torpedo boats darted they ejected their missiles, 
 and the rapid and terrible fire from the leviathans of Italy, 
 pouring into every one of the remaining ships of the Tsar, 
 killed Inmdreds who were striving to defend themselves. 
 
 Suddenly the Sicilia, which had been fighting the Russian 
 flagship, the Tria Sviatitelia, at close quarters, and had blown 
 away her conning-tower and greater portion of her super- 
 structure, performed a neat evolution, and crashed her ram 
 right into her opponent's broadside, breaking her almost in 
 half. 
 
 A few moments later there was a terrific explosion on 
 board, and then the doomed vessel sank into the dark rolling 
 sea, carrying with her the Russian Admiral and all hands. 
 
 Quickly this success was followed by others — the blowing 
 up of the monster new cruiser Tiumen, the sinking of the 
 Adler and four other Russian torpedo boats, occurring in rapid 
 succession. Seeing with what rapidity and irresistible force 
 they were being swept from the sea, the remainder of the 
 Tsar's shattered fleet struck their flags and called for quarter, 
 not, however, before the torpedo boat Kodor had been sunk. 
 The Russians thus cajitured were the battleships Petropavlovsh 
 of 10,960 tons, the Dvenadsat A2)ostoloff of 8076 tons, the 
 two new barbette-ships, Kama and Vologda, both of whose 
 engines had broken down, and fifteen torpedo boats.
 
 A Naval Fight and its Consequences 185 
 
 At dawn most of the latter were manned by Italians, while 
 the captured ships, witli the Italian colours flying and bearing 
 evidence of tlie terrible conflict, were on their way due north 
 to Genoa, accompanied by the battered British vessels. 
 
 The strongest division of Eussia's Fleet had been totally 
 destroyed, and the Tsar's power in the Mediterranean was 
 broken.
 
 1 
 
 m 
 
 ■■jMM 
 
 iuAtti , JIWSC^IBWJ*S 
 
 CHAPTEE XXIT. 
 
 PANIC IN LANCASHIRE. 
 
 HE Russians were within gunshot of Manchester! 
 A profound sensation was caused in that city 
 about eight o'clock on the evening of Septem- 
 ber 6th, by an announcement made by the 
 Uvening Neivs — which still appeared in fitful 
 editions — that a Cossack patrol had been seen 
 on the road between Macclesfield and Alderley, and that it 
 was evident, from the manner of the Eussian advance, that 
 they meant to attack the city almost immediately. 
 
 The utmost alarm was caused, and the streets were every- 
 where crowded by anxious, starving throngs, eager to ascertain 
 fuller details, but unable to gather anything further beyond 
 the wild conjectures of idle gossip. 
 
 The great city which, on the outbreak of war, was one of 
 the most prosperous in the world, was now but a sorry 
 semblance of its former self. Heated, excited, turbulent, 
 its streets echoed with the heartrending wails of despairing 
 crowds, its factories were idle, its shops closed, and its people 
 were succumbing to tlie horrible, lingering death which is the 
 result of starvation. 
 
 Wealth availed them naught. Long ago the last loaf had 
 been devoured, the last sack of flour had been divided, and the 
 rich living in the suburbs now felt the pinch of hunger quite 
 as acutely as factory operatives, who lounged, hands in pockets, 
 about the streets. Manchester, like most other towns in 
 
 186
 
 Panic in Lancashire 187 
 
 England, had come to tlie end of her supplies, and death 
 and disease now decimated the more populous districts, 
 while those who had left the city and tramped north had 
 fared no better, and hundreds dropped and died by tlie 
 roadside. 
 
 The situation iu Lancashire was terrible. At Liverpool 
 a few vessels were arriving from America, under escort of 
 British cruisers, bringing supplies, but these were mostly 
 purchased at enormously high rates, and sent to London by 
 way of Manchester and Sheftield, railway communication by 
 that route being still open. This fact becoming known in 
 Manchester caused the greatest indignation, and the people, 
 rendered desperate by hunger, succeeded on several occasions 
 in stopping the trains, and appropriating the food they carried. 
 Tlie situation in Manchester was one of constant excitement, 
 and fear that the enemy should repeat the success they had 
 achieved at Birmingham. The hundreds of thousands of 
 hungry ones who flocked Manchester streets and the grimy 
 thoroughfares of Stockport, Asliton, Oldham, Bolton, and 
 otlier great towns in the vicinity, feared that they, like the 
 people of Birmingham, would be put to the sword by the 
 ruthless invaders. 
 
 The week that had elapsed had been an eventful one, 
 fraught with many horrors. After the success of the Eussians 
 at Birmingham, the British troops, both Eegulars, Volunteers, 
 and improvised, fell l)ack and formed up north of the city, 
 being practically nothing more than a strong line of outposts 
 without reserves, extending from Dudley, through West 
 Bromwich and Sutton Park, to Tamworth. This scheme, 
 however, was ill-devised, for the defenders, in order to act 
 successfully, should have fallen back much further, and con- 
 centrated their forces at one or two strategical points on the 
 line to Manchester, as it had been ascertained from spies 
 that a swift and vigorous attack on that city was meditated. 
 
 The day following the taking of Birmingham was devoted 
 by the enemy to the reorganisation of their forces, and the 
 rearrangement of their transport and ammunition train.
 
 1 88 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Large quantities of waggons and war stores of all kinds had 
 been found in the town and annexed by the victors, and at 
 Kynoch's Factory at Aston some hundreds of thousands of 
 rounds of ammunition had been seized. These had been 
 made for a foreign government, and fitted both rifles and 
 machine guns of the liussians. 
 
 Having thus reorganised, the Kussians, leaving 10,000 men 
 in Birmingham as a base, resumed their march north on the 
 third day. The left flank, consisting of 2000 cavalry and 
 12,000 infantry, took the road through West Bromwich to 
 Wednesbury and Bilston, but quickly found themselves 
 entrapped, for on account of the many canals their cavalry 
 were unable to act, and their transport was cut off. The 
 miners and factory men had armed themselves, and, acting 
 in conjunction with the British troops from Dudley and 
 Great Barr, succeeded, after some hard flghting around 
 Tipton and Coseley, in completely annihilating the enemy, 
 taking 5000 prisoners and killing the remaining 9000. 
 
 Meanwhile the right flank had passed out of Birmingham 
 by way of Castle Bromwich, and had advanced without opposi- 
 tion through Wishaw and Tamworth to Lichfield, driving the 
 defenders before them. The Eussian main column, however, 
 were not allowed to go north without a most desperate endeavour 
 on the part of our men to hold them in check. Indeed, if ever 
 British courage showed itself it was during those dark days. 
 Advancing through Aston and Perry to Sutton along the 
 ancient highway, Icknield Street, the Eussians sent a large 
 force through the woods to the high ground between Wild 
 Green and Maney. Here the British had established strong 
 batteries, but after some desperate fighting these were at 
 length captured, the enemy losing heavily. At the same 
 time, fierce fighting occurred in Sutton Park and across at 
 Aldridge, the defenders making the most strenuous efforts 
 to break the force of the invaders. All was, alas ! to no 
 purpose. The British, outnumbered as before, were com- 
 pelled to fall back fighting, with the result that the enemy's 
 main column, pushing on, effected a junction with its right
 
 Panic in Lancashire 189 
 
 flank, wliich had bivouaced on Wittington Heath, near Lich- 
 field, and occupied the barracks there. 
 
 On the day following the invaders broke into two columns 
 and marched again north, practically in battle formation, the 
 right column continuing along Icknield Street, through Burton, 
 Derby, Bakewell, and Marple, driving back the defenders, 
 while the left column took a route that lay through the hilly 
 and wooded country near Cannock Chase. Both colunms, 
 advancing in Echelon of division, with cavalry on their Hanks, 
 were constantly harassed in the rear by the British, and 
 in their advance lost numbers of waggons and a large 
 quantity of ammunition ; but they succeeded in travelling 
 so quickly north that they were actually marching on 
 Manchester before the people in that city could realise it. 
 Signal acts of bravery were being everywhere reported, but 
 what could individual heroism effect against the fearful odds 
 we had to face ? 
 
 Thousands of men in Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Wigan, 
 Eochdale, and other neighbouring towns had already armed 
 themselves, and, on hearing that Manchester was threatened, 
 poured into the city to act their part bravely in its defence. 
 
 It must be admitted that the British General commanding 
 had, on gaining knowledge of the intentions of the Eussians, 
 taken every precaution in his power to prevent an advance on 
 Manchester. 
 
 Our troops which had been defeated and driven back from 
 Birmingham, had at once retreated north to the Peak district, 
 and about one-quarter of the number had taken up excellent 
 defensive positions there, while the remainder, with small 
 reinforcements of Picgulars drawn from Lancaster, Warrington, 
 Bury, Chester, Wrexham, Burnley, Ashton-under-Lyne, York, 
 Halifax, and as far distant as Carlisle, had, in addition to those 
 from Manchester, been massed along the north bank of the 
 Mersey from Stockport to Flixton, with a line of connnunica- 
 tion stretching across to Woodley Junction, and thence over 
 Glossop Dale to the Beak. 
 
 Thus Manchester was defended by a force of 38,000 cavalry,
 
 190 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 infantry,* Volunteers, and colonials, against the Eussian army, 
 consisting of the remaining 65,000 of the force which attacked 
 Birmingham, and reinforcements of 10,000 infantry and 5000 
 cavalry that had been pushed rapidly forward from Sussex 
 over the ground that the main body had travelled. The total 
 force of liussians was therefore 80,000. 
 
 From Stockport, the north bank of the Mersey to its con- 
 fluence with the Irwell past Flixton was well guarded. 
 Earthworks had been raised, trenches dug, walls had been 
 loopholed, and houses placed in a state of hasty defence. 
 Among the reinforcements now under arms were several 
 portions of battalions of Lancashire Volunteer Artillery who 
 had not gone south to their allotted positions in the defence 
 of London, and five companies of the 1st Cheshire and 
 Carnarvonshire Artillery under Col. H. T. Brown, V.D., 
 together with the Cheshire Yeomanry under Col. P. E. War- 
 burton, The Manchester Brigade was a strong one, consisting 
 of six Volunteer battalions of the Manchester Begiment, tlie 
 1st under the Earl of Crawford, V.D., the 2nd under Col. 
 Bridgford, V.D., the 3rd under Col. Eaton, V.D., the 4th 
 under Col. Lynde, V.D., the 5th under Col. Eocca, V.D., and 
 the 6th under Col. Lees; the Cheshire and Lancashire 
 Brigades included three Volunteer battalions of the Lanca- 
 shire Fusiliers under Colonels Young, Philippi, and Haworth, 
 and two battalions of the South Lancashire Eegiment ; while 
 the Northern Counties Brigade, composed of one Volunteer 
 battalion of the Eoyal Lancaster Eegiment under Col. 
 Strongitharm, two battalions of the East Lancashire Eegiment 
 under Col. A. L Eobinson, V.D., and Col. T. Mitchell, V.D., 
 and two of the Loyal North Lancashire under Col. Widdows 
 and Col. Ormrod, also mustered their forces and performed 
 excellent defensive work. It was here, too, that the Volunteer 
 cyclists were found of the utmost value in scouting and carry- 
 ing despatches. 
 
 The excitement in Manchester on that memorable Septem- 
 ber night was intense. That a desperate and bloody fray was 
 imminent, every one knew, and the people were trusting to the
 
 Panic in Lancashire 191 
 
 defensive line on the river bank to protect them from the 
 foreign destroyer. Would they be strong enough to effectively 
 resist? Would they ])c aljle to drive back the Russians and 
 defeat them ? 
 
 The people of Lancashire wlio condemned our military 
 administration did not do so without cause. It had been 
 claimed by many tliat England could never be invaded; 
 nevertheless our course should have been to prepare for 
 possible events. Our Army, being small, should have been 
 better equipped and armed, as well as trained to balance 
 weakness in numbers. Again, there had always existed a 
 hideous hindrance to the efficiency of the Auxiliaries — the 
 arms. Many of the INIartini-Henrys carried by the Volunteers 
 bore date of a quarter of a century ago, and their barrels were 
 so worn they could not be fired accurately; while others 
 possessed the Snider, which was practically a smoothbore from 
 wear. What was the use of weapons surpassed in power by 
 those of other nations ? It was an unpalatable truth that had 
 now at last dawned upon Britain, tliat in arming her soldiers 
 she was far behind the rest of the world. 
 
 While Manchester spent tlie sultry night in feverish 
 excitement at the knowledge that the enemy had advanced 
 almost to their doors, the British outposts were being harassed 
 by the enemy, who, flushed with success, were advancing 
 gradually onward towards the line of defence. The Eussian 
 front had been suddenly widely extended, evidently aiming 
 at a concentric attack on Manchester, and an attempt to 
 wholly envelop the defenders' position by cavalry operating 
 on both flanks. 
 
 Some terribly desperate encounters took place during a 
 frightful thunderstorm which lasted a portion of the night, 
 and many a brave Briton fell while performing valiant deeds 
 for the honour of his country. The anxiety within the British 
 lines that hot night was intense. 
 
 Eeports coming in told of fierce fighting all along the line. 
 Soon after midnight a British patrol, supported by cavalry, 
 that had been sent out from Northeuden to Baguley, was
 
 192 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 suddenly attacked by a party of Eussians, who lay in ambush 
 close to Wythenshaw Hall. A short but fierce fight ensued, 
 but the British, knowing that part of the country well, suc- 
 ceeded in totally annihilating their antagonists. The firing, 
 however, attracted attention in the Eussian lines, with the 
 result that a second attack was qviickly made upon them, 
 compelling them to retire up the hill at Lawton Moor, where 
 they dashed into a small wood, closely pressed by the enemy. 
 The attack was desperate. There is something terrible in a 
 fight in a wood at night. The combatants could see nothing 
 save an occasional flash in the impenetrable darkness, and 
 hoarse cries went up from the mysterious inferno. Neither 
 invader nor defender could distinguish each other, and in the 
 half-hour that followed, many a Eussian shot his comrade in 
 mistake for his foe. 
 
 At last the defenders, finding that the slightest rustling of 
 boughs brought down a volley from magazine rifles, stood 
 motionless, scarcely daring to breathe, and waited anxiously, 
 until at last the enemy, seeing that their efforts to drive them 
 out were useless, withdrew, and went off towards Baguley. 
 
 In another direction, close to Henbury, near Macclesfield, 
 a squadron of British cavalry surprised a small outpost camp 
 of Eussians, and cut it up terribly, killing half the number ; 
 but pushing on to Marthall, six miles across country, they 
 came into collision with a body of Eussian dragoons, and after 
 a very fierce encounter were compelled to fall back again after 
 considerable loss. On the outskirts of Northwich, and on the 
 borders of Delamere Forest, skirmishes occurred, resulting in 
 serious loss on both sides. A reconnoitring party of Eussians 
 was totally swept away and every man killed, by a British 
 party who were concealed in an old farm building close to 
 Alderley village; while another engaged in surveying the 
 roads to Altrincham had been forced to retreat, leaving half 
 their number dead or wounded on the edge of Tatton Park.
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 THE EVE OF BATTLE. 
 
 OME idea of the gallant conduct of our Volunteers 
 during the night may he gathered from the 
 following extract from a letter by Lieutenant 
 John Howling of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion 
 of the East Lancashire liegiment, to a friend a 
 few days afterwards. He wrote — 
 " You will no doubt liave heard something about the warm 
 work we had on the night before the Battle of Manchester. 
 The city, as you know, was covered on tlie south by a long 
 straggling line of outposts, extending practically from Stock- 
 port to Altrincham. Late in the afternoon of September 6th 
 we received an order to proceed to Mere, about four miles from 
 Altrincham, having been detailed to form the section of the 
 outposts from Few Tatton to Goodier's Green, and on arrival 
 at Mere half of our force of 600 was left in reserve there ; the 
 supports were moved about half a mile down Watling Street, 
 and the remainder was divided into three piquets, No. 1 at 
 Bentley Hurst Farm, No. 2 at Moss Cottage, and No. 3 near 
 Mereplatt Farm, with four double sentry posts out in front of 
 each piquet. 
 
 " I was in command of No. 2 picket, with Anderson and 
 Wishton as subs, and as soon as I returned to the piquet, after 
 posting the sentries, I sent the former with two sections to 
 form a detached post at Over Tabley, and instructed him to 
 send a reconnoitring patrol as far down Watling Street as he 
 
 193
 
 194 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 might consider consistent with safety. Anderson posted Iris 
 men, and returned to me about ten o'clock with a corporal 
 and two men, bringing in a man who had been pointed out to 
 him at Over Tabley as a suspicious character — in fact, he was 
 said to be a spy. He had been staying at an inn there for 
 two or three days, and had very little luggage. Anderson had 
 examined his portmanteau, but found nothing there; and as 
 the man refused to give any account of himself, he made him 
 a prisoner. Fresh fires were continually breaking out, there- 
 fore I thought it best to waste no time questioning him, 
 but took him into a room at Moss Cottage, where he was 
 thoroughly searched. Notes were found upon him from 
 which it was evident that he had been obtaining information 
 for the enemy for some time, and, better still, particulars of 
 their proposed operations for the investment of Manchester, 
 showing that they were advancing in our direction along the 
 old Watling Street. 
 
 " I sent the prisoner under escort to the commander of the 
 outposts, and at the same time sent word to Nos. 1 and 3 
 piquets, after which Anderson and I went down to Over 
 Tabley, leaving Wishton in charge of No. 2. The machine 
 gun that had been allotted to my piquet I also ordered to 
 Over Tabley, and on arrival there we threw up barricades, 
 hastily constructed of barrels, doors, and logs, banked with 
 earth, across the road between the Vicarage and the church. 
 A quantity of barbed wire was found in the village, and this 
 came in very useful, for we stretched several lengths of it 
 across the roads on the off-side of the barricade. 
 
 " There were under thirty of us, but every man was 
 determined to do his duty unflinchingly. By this time it was 
 past eleven, and very dark, yet there was just light enough to 
 train the gun on to the centre of the cross-roads by Dairy- 
 house Farm. Very soon we could hear the enemy approach- 
 ing, and as their spy had not met them outside, they 
 evidently concluded that the village was unoccui)ied, and 
 advanced in comparatively close order, Cossacks leading, and 
 the infantry so close that there was practically no division
 
 The Eve of Battle 195 
 
 between their vanguard and mainguard. The first section of 
 Cossacks very soon found our first wire, and the whole of 
 their horses came to grief. Those in the rear, thinking 
 probably that there was no other obstruction in the way, 
 spurred their horses and galloped over their friends, only to 
 meet with a similar fate further on. 
 
 " The pioneers doubled up, and began to cut the wires, 
 and fearing that the infantry in the rear would soon deploy, 
 I gave the order for independent firing. The Russians stood 
 it for some minutes, and attempted to reply, but not a man 
 of ours was visible, and they soon retreated to Tabley Hall, 
 where I had no means of following them. 
 
 " It must be remembered that we were all Volunteers, the 
 Regulars being on the Stockport flank of the outpost line. My 
 men behaved splendidly, and the firing was excellent from 
 first to last." 
 
 About the same time as the unsuccessful attack was made 
 on the outposts at Mere, the British line was broken through 
 at Heald Green and Appletree. 
 
 A cavalry patrol, supported by infantry, was feeling its 
 way along the road to Wilmslow, and had passed Willow 
 Farm, at which point the road runs beside the railway 
 embankment. 
 
 The storm had burst, the thunder rolled incessantly, rain 
 fell in torrents, and the lightning played about them, causing 
 their arms to gleam in its vivid flashes. 
 
 Slowly, and without undue noise, the patrol was wending 
 its way up the hill towards Finney Green, when suddenly 
 there was a terrific rattle of musketry, and they discovered to 
 their surprise that the enemy, who were occupying the 
 embankment of the North-Western Paiilway on their left, 
 were pouring upon them a fire suificient to blanch the cheek 
 of the bravest among them. 
 
 Along the embankment for a mile or more were stationed 
 infantry with magazine rifles, and in addition they had 
 brought two machine guns into play with appalling effect. 
 So sudden did this galling fire open upon them, tliat men and
 
 196 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 horses fell without being able to fire a shot in return. British 
 infantry, however, stood their ground, and as the lightning 
 flashed, disclosing the position of the enemy, every Kussian 
 who dared to stand up or show himself was promptly picked 
 off. But against the awful rain of deadly bullets ejected from 
 the machine guns, at the rate of 600 a minute, no force could 
 make a successful defence. 
 
 Many British heroes fell pierced by a dozen bullets ; still 
 their comrades, seeking what shelter they could, continued the 
 defensive. 
 
 Meanwhile over the dismal muddy road the survivors of 
 the cavalry galloped back, and quickly reported to the com- 
 mander of the piquet at Appletree that the enemy were in 
 strong force on the other side of the embankment between 
 Oaklands and Wilmslow Park, and as they had heard a train 
 run into Wilmslow Station and stop, it was evident that the 
 enemy had reopened the line from Crewe, and intended con- 
 centrating part of their reinforcements to the general advance. 
 The facts that the enemy had succeeded in cutting all the 
 telegraph lines in the district, and had now obtained con^plete 
 control over the railway, were most alarming, and the outlook 
 of the defenders was rendered doubly serious by the large force 
 they were compelled to keep east of Stockport, and in the Peak 
 district, to prevent the invaders getting round to attack Man- 
 chester from the north. 
 
 On receipt of the news of the disaster to the patrol, the 
 commander of the piquet at Appletree immediately sent 
 information to the commander of the piquet posted at the 
 railway station at Cheadle Hulme ; but by a strange oversight, 
 due no doubt to the excitement of the moment, sent no report 
 to the commander of the outposts. The infantry engaging the 
 Eussians on the embankment, though exhibiting most gallant 
 courage, were so exposed that it was little wonder they were 
 soon completely annihilated, only half a dozen escaping. 
 
 The enemy must have detrained a large number of troops 
 at Wilmslow, for the British cavalry scouts were quickly 
 followed up by Cossacks and the Tsar's Dragoons. Quickly the
 
 197
 
 198 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 sentries between Heald Green and Appletree were driven back 
 on their piquets, the latter extending in skirmishing order. 
 Such a manoeuvre, however, proved fatal in the darkness aud 
 on the heavy ploughed land over which they were fighting. 
 Alas ! very few succeeded in reaching the supports, and 
 when they did, they all fell back hurriedly on the reserves at 
 Pimgate. 
 
 Then the commander of the piquet at Cheadle Hulme 
 Station, finding that he must inevitably be attacked by road 
 and rail, set the station on fire, and with the assistance of the 
 railway ofticials blew up a large portion of the permanent way 
 with dynamite, thus cutting off the enemy's means of com- 
 munication. This accomplished, he fell back upon his supports 
 at Adswood, and they, at about 2 a.m., retreated with the 
 reserves to the embankment of tlie North-Western Eailway 
 which carries the line from Stockport to Whaley Bridge, and 
 took up a strong position to assist in the defence of Stockport. 
 
 The latter town was defended on three sides by railway 
 embankments, which were now occupied by strong bodies of 
 Eegulars, with several Maxims. One embankment ran from 
 the west boundary of the town to Middlewood Junction, 
 another from Middlewood to Marple, and a third from Marple 
 to Mayercroft. Throughout the night the defenders were in 
 hourly expectation that an attack would be made upon their 
 positions, with the object of investing Stockport as a pre- 
 liminary to the assault on the defensive lines north of the 
 Mersey ; but the enemy apparently had other objects, and 
 the disaster to the British cavalry patrol on the Wilmslow 
 road was, unfortunately, followed by a second and more serious 
 one. The Cossacks and Dragoons that followed the British 
 cavalry scouts ovcitook them just as they had joined their 
 reserves, a short distance beyond Pimgate, about half-past two. 
 A fierce fight ensued, and the force of British cavalry and 
 infantry was gradually drawn into a cunningly-devised trap, 
 and then there suddenly appeared a great force of Eussians, 
 who simply swept down upon them, slaughtering the whole of 
 them with brutal ferocity, not, however, before they had
 
 The Eve of Battle 199 
 
 fought desperately, and inflicted enormous loss upon the 
 enemy. 
 
 Having totally annihilated that detachment of defenders, 
 the liussians marched into Cheadlc, and, after sacking the 
 little town, burned it, together with the Grange, the Print 
 Works, the railway station, St. Mary's Church, and a number 
 of large mills. 
 
 Tiie great army of the Tsar had bivouaced, reserving its 
 strength for a desperate dash upon Manchester. But the 
 British outposts stood wakeful and vigilant, ready at any 
 moment to sound the alarm. To those entrenched beyond the 
 winding Mersey, soaked by the heavy rain, and spending the 
 dark hours in anxiety, there came over the dismal country 
 the sound of distant rifle-firing mingling with the roll of the 
 thunder. Ere long they knew that every man would be fight- 
 ing for his life against the great hordes of invaders who would 
 descend upon them swiftly and mercilessly. Across the country 
 from the Peak away to Chester, the Briton bravely faced his 
 foe, anxious and vigilant, awaiting breathlessly the progress 
 of events. 
 
 Thus passed the stormy, oppressive night, till the grey 
 dawn of a fateful day. 
 
 14
 
 CHAPTEE XXIV. 
 
 MANCHESTER ATTACKED BY RUSSIANS. 
 
 ITH the first streak of daylight the anxious, 
 excited crowds of men and women, surging up 
 and down the principal streets of Manchester, 
 were alarmed by the sounds of heavy firing. 
 A terrible panic instantly ensued. The battle 
 had actually commenced ! 
 Half-starved operatives, with pale, wan faces, stood in 
 groups in Deansgate, Market Street, Piccadilly, and London 
 Eoad, while men, armed with any weapons they could obtain, 
 rushed out along the main roads to the south of the city to 
 assist in its defence. Lancashire men exhibited commendable 
 patriotism, even though they had not hesitated to criticise the 
 administration of our War Department ; for now at the critical 
 hour not a man flinched from his duty, both old and young 
 taking up arms for their country's honour. 
 
 During the eventful night at all approaches to the city 
 from the south the roads had been thrown into a state of 
 hasty defence. A formidable barricade had been constructed 
 at a point in the Stretford Eoad close to the Botanical Gardens 
 to prevent the enemy from advancing up the Chester or Stret- 
 ford New Eoads ; another was thrown up at the junction of 
 Chorlton Eoad, Withington Eoad, Upper Chorlton Eoad, and 
 Moss Lane West ; a third opposite Eusholme Hall prevented 
 any march up the Wilmslow Eoad; while others of minor 
 strength blocked the Anson Eoad close to the Elms, the
 
 Manchester attacked by Russians 201 
 
 London Road at Longsight, the Hyde Eoad opposite Belle Vue 
 Prison, and at Ivy Place in the Ashton Old Eoad. 
 
 These had all been raised out of any materials that came to 
 hand. Barrels, brick rubbish, planks, doors, flooring of houses 
 hastily torn up, and scaffold poles lashed together ; in fact, 
 the barriers were huge piles of miscellaneous and portable 
 articles, even furniture from neighbouring houses being utilised, 
 while lengths of iron railings and wire torn from fences played 
 an important part in these hastily-built defences. Behind them, 
 armed with rifles, shot-guns, pistols, knives, and any other 
 weapon that came handiest, the men of Manchester waited, 
 breathlessly impatient in the expectation of attack. 
 
 As dawn spread bright and rosy, and the mist cleared 
 from the low meadows beside the Mersey, the distant firing 
 was continuous, and the one or two shells that fell and burst 
 in the centre of the city were precursory of an awful sanguin- 
 ary struggle. Scarcely a person in that densely populated 
 area had slept that night, and the streets were everywhere 
 full, the most exciting and heartrending scenes being witnessed. 
 
 A great crowd that assembled in Albert Square was 
 addressed by the Mayor from the steps of the Town Hall, and 
 urged to strain every muscle to drive back the invaders, in 
 order that the disaster at Birmingham should not be repeated. 
 Even as he spoke, in the interval of wild cheering and the 
 energetic singing of the National Anthem and "Eule, Britannia," 
 the distant crackling of rifles and the low booming of field guns 
 could be heard. 
 
 It was the din of battle — the catastrophe caused by the 
 cunning spy Von Beilstein, who was still living in luxury in 
 London, and who still posed as the friend of Geoffrey Engleheart 
 and Violet Vayne ! 
 
 Geoffrey was still with the Volunteers assisting in the 
 defence of London, but the French spy who had sent the forged 
 orders to our Navy had apparently made good his escape. 
 
 Here, in Manchester, the sound of the guns aroused that 
 patriotic enthusiasm latent in the heart of every Briton. True, 
 they were weary, famished, ill from lack of food, yet they were
 
 202 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 fiercely determined that the invader should never tread their 
 streets, nor should incendiaries burn or Russian artillery destroy 
 their handsome buildings — monuments of England's wealth and 
 greatness. In St. Peter's Square, at a mass meeting attended 
 by nearly twelve thousand people, a demonstration was made 
 against the enemy, and it was resolved that every man should 
 act his part in the struggle, and that no quarter should be shown 
 the legions of tlie Tsar ; while at another impromptu meeting 
 held in Piccadilly, in the open space opposite the Infirmary, 
 the conduct of the Russians before Birmingham was denounced ; 
 and some speakers, using violent language, lashed their hearers 
 into a frenzy of mad excitement, causing an eager rush to the 
 barricades in readiness for the terrible fray. 
 
 As the sun shone out pale and yellow in the stormy sky, 
 the fighting spread quickly down the Mersey banks from 
 Haughton away to Flixton. It became fiercest around Stockport, 
 and over the level pastures the white smoke of rifles puffed from 
 every bush, wall, and fence. 
 
 The Russians were the superior force, for, while all were 
 trained soldiers, not more than a third of the defenders had 
 taken the Queen's shilling, and not more than half of them had 
 ever had an hour's drill in their lives. They were simply 
 volunteers who had found their own arms and banded for the 
 defence of their homes. 
 
 The soldiers of the Tsar, trained under the most rigorous 
 discipline, had considerably improved in tactics, in drill, and in 
 munitions of war since the Crimea, —a fact overlooked by the 
 majority of Britons, — and they had now taken possession of 
 every strategical position where batteries might be established. 
 After fierce fighting over Lyme Park across to Norbury Hall, 
 in which the Russians lost very heavily owing to the British 
 gun fire from the railway embankment, a great charge was 
 made by an enormous body of infantry, who succeeded, after 
 several futile attempts, in carrying the position, and driving the 
 British artillerymen back to the road which runs from Stockport 
 to Marple. 
 
 The embankment which thus fell into the hands of the
 
 Manciikstkr attacked liY Russians 20- 
 
 jMuscovite iiiFantiy formed one of the strongest defences of 
 Stock[)ort, therefore tliey at onee moved the guns iip towards 
 Davenport Station, and commenced shelling the city with the 
 defenders' own guns ! 
 
 The panic caused in Stockport was awful, wlieu without 
 warning shells commenced to explode in the crowded harricaded 
 streets, but the llussians were not allowed to have things their 
 own way for long. The British batteries on the opposite railway 
 embankment between Heaton Norris and New Mills formed up 
 at the junction almost opposite Davenport, and opened a terrific 
 fire upon the captured guns. 
 
 For half an hour this continued, and the Eussians, standing 
 in an exposed position right on the sky-line, were being swept 
 away by Ihitish shells, when suddenly the enemy were joined 
 by reinforcements, whereupon a small force of British infantry, 
 who had been brought quickly along, unperceived by the enemy 
 from Marple, suddenly swarmed up the embankment at Norbury, 
 and, charging along to the Bussian position, added a strong riile 
 tire to that of their artillery. 
 
 The oflicer commanding the British batteries watched the 
 infantry advance through his field glass, and in a few minutes 
 suddenly ceased his fire, so as to allow the infantry to make the 
 dash for which they were preparing. A heliograph signal was 
 flashed from the batteries, and then, without hesitation, the 
 order was given to charge. 
 
 It was a terribly exciting moment. If they succeeded they 
 would in all prol)ability save Stockport. If they M'ere driven 
 back the town was doomed. 
 
 With admirable pluck the British rushed upon the guns, 
 and for a few minutes there was a fierce struggle hand to 
 hand. Eussians, although making a most desperate stand, 
 were every moment being impaled on British bayonets, or, 
 pierced by bullets, they rolled down the slopes into ditches 
 covered in stagnant slime. Hacked to pieces by the small but 
 gallant force of Britons, the enemy were forced at last to give 
 in and retire, leaving more than half their number killed ; but 
 with admiral )lo tact, the fugitives were forced down the bank
 
 204 The Great War in England in 1S97 
 
 nearest the British batteries. Thus they fell into a trap, for 
 as soon as they attempted to recover themselves, and make a 
 dash to reorganise their line of communications, two British 
 Maxims uttered their sharp rattle, and the whole force were 
 simply mowed down where they stood. 
 
 The fight had been a most desperate one, but, thanks to the 
 heroic charge of the British infantry, Stockport was again 
 safe, and the guns once more in the liands of her defenders. 
 
 Meanwhile, fighting of the fiercest possible description was 
 taking place across the meadows lying between Norbury and 
 ]>ramhall, and the Eussians, unable to withstand the withering- 
 British fire, were gradually forced back to Cheadle Hultne, 
 where they were surprised by the defenders and utterly 
 louted. So great was the slaughter, that it is estimated that 
 iu this engagement alone, after the recapture of the guns by 
 I he British, over 4000 Eussians were shot down and 3000 
 taken prisoners ! 
 
 The Eussians, finding how desperate was the resistance, and 
 how heavily they were losing, quickly brought up strong 
 reinforcements upon Cheadle, and, after a fiercely-contested 
 conflict, succeeded in driving back the small British force, they 
 being compelled to retreat back over the Mersey to Parr's 
 Wood and Didsbury, afterwards blowing up the bridges, and 
 keeping up a hot fire from the bank, where a large body of 
 Volunteers were already entrenched. By this means, although 
 they were unable to save Cheadle from being burned, they 
 succeeded, by reason of the excellence of their position and the 
 admirable tactics they displayed, in mowing down another 
 2000 of the Tsar's soldiers. In this instance the laurels 
 remained with a portion of the Manchester Volunteer Brigade, 
 tlie effect of whose rifle fire was appalling. 
 
 It was now about ten o'clock, and the sky had cleared for 
 a brilliant day. At Chapel-en-le-Frith a large detachment of 
 Cossacks had been swept away by a body of British Hussars 
 who had suddenly descended upon Whitehough, while almost 
 at the same moment a British battery that had been hastily 
 established on Chiuley Churn succeeded in wiping out a body
 
 ]\Ianchester attacked by Russians 20 = 
 
 of infantry that was advancing with all speed in the neighbour- 
 hood of Yeardsley Hall. But one of the most sanguinary 
 portions of the battle was the conflict which spread westward 
 from Cheadle across to Altrinchara, Lymm, and WarrinL^ton. 
 Already Altrincham had fallen. The fine villas of wealthy 
 Manchester tradesmen and manufacturers, deserted by their 
 owners, had been entered by the uncouth Muscovites and 
 sacked. Every nook and corner had been searched for plate, 
 jewellery, and money, paintings had been ruthlessly torn 
 down, furniture broken and burned, and Eussian troopers had 
 made merry in many a handsome drawing-room. Old Field 
 Hall and Tini])erly Hall had Ijoth Ijeen ransacked and set on 
 lire with petroleum, while every house at Dunham Massey had 
 l>een destroyed by incendiaries. 
 
 Elated over their successes, the Eussians were collecting 
 their forces preparatory to a decisive rush over the Mersey to 
 Stretford, intending to take that place, and advance by that 
 route upon Manchester. The defenders, who had been warned 
 of this through spies, awaited their chance, and suddenly, 
 when the Eussians least expected an attack, a body of British 
 cavalry, backed by infantry, crossed the Mersey, and sweeping 
 down the level turnpike road to Sale, came upon their 
 opponents before they were aware of their presence. The 
 effect of this was frightful. A small body of British Hussars, 
 with some Lancashire Yeomanry, made a splendid charge, 
 exhibiting magnificent courage, and cut their way clean through 
 the Eussian lines with irresistible force ; while the infantry, 
 advancing cautiously, and taking every advantage of the small 
 cover afforded on that level country, poured forth a deadly rifle 
 lire. Indeed, so gallant was this charge, that the Tsar's forces 
 were almost annihilated. They endeavoured to make a stand 
 near the cross-roads leading from Carrington Moss, but the 
 rifle fire of the defenders was so heavy that they dropped by 
 hundreds under the deadly rain of British bullets. 
 
 The disaster to the Eussians being signalled back by them 
 to their reserves at Tatton Park and around Knutsford, had 
 the effect of bringing up an enormous force of infantry.
 
 2o6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Signallers were at work in all directions, and those who 
 watched the progress of the action found the next two hours 
 full of exciting moments. It was apparent at once that the 
 Eussians had marked out Stretford as the gate by which they 
 intended to enter Manchester, but they must have been misled 
 by their spies as to the strength of the defenders in this 
 direction. 
 
 Indeed, if they had surveyed the whole of the southern 
 line defending the city, they could not have discovered a point 
 more strongly fortified ; therefore it was a somewhat curious 
 fact that they should have concentrated their forces upon that 
 part. Possibly it was because they had formed an opinion by 
 studying their Ordnance Maps — so generously provided for 
 them by the British Department of Agriculture at a cost of 
 one shilling each — that, if they succeeded in breaking the 
 defence at Stretford, they would also secure the road running 
 in a circular direction up to Barton, by which means they 
 could enter Manchester by way of Eccles, Pendleton, and 
 Salford at the same time as the march through Traftbrd. Such 
 a design was, of course, cleverly planned. It must be admitted 
 that, from a strategical point of view, the taking of Stretford 
 would mean the fall of Manchester, a fact which the Kussian 
 commanding officer had not overlooked. 
 
 But the soldiers of the Tsar had reckoned without their 
 hosts. They only saw along the Mersey a thin and apparently 
 weak line of defence, a massing of defenders without undue 
 ostentation and without any particular show of strength. A 
 balloon sent up by the Eussians to reconnoitre from Sale had 
 been fired at and brought down by the defenders, but with 
 this exception scarcely a shot had been fired north of the 
 Mersey. Britons were watching and waiting. Their foe, 
 ridiculing the idea that a town like Manchester, almost utterly 
 devoid of positions whereon batteries might be established, 
 could be successfully defended, therefore kept up a desultory 
 fire upon the British detachment that had swept away their 
 advance guard, in the meantime covering the massing of their 
 enormous force. This latter consisted of Cossacks, guards,
 
 Manchester attacked by Russians 207 
 
 infantry, artillery, and two companies of engineers, with 
 pontoon sections, as well as a ballooning party and two field 
 hospitals. 
 
 The British detachment that had crossed the river were, 
 however, unaware of the enemy's intention until too late. 
 The manonivres of the liussians were being watched by a 
 Jhitish balloon sent up from Old Trafford, but the signals made 
 by the aeronaut were unfortunately unobserved by the party, 
 so desperately were they fighting ; otherwise a disaster which 
 befell them on the sudden rush of the enemy towards the river 
 might possibly have been averted. However, no blame could 
 be attached to the officer in charge of the detachment. The 
 men acted their part bravely, and displayed that courage of 
 which the Briton speaks with justifialale pride, even though, 
 alas ! they fell, every one of them fighting till the last, their 
 bodies being afterwards frightfully mangled by horses' hoofs, 
 as hundreds of Cossacks rode over them. Not a man of that 
 party escaped, but each one had once more shown the world 
 what pluck and courage could accomplish, and had gone to his 
 grave as a sacrifice for his country and his (^ueen.
 
 CHAPTEE XXV. 
 
 GALLANT DEEDS BY CYCLISTS. 
 
 I OON came and went. The fighting grew fiercer 
 around Manchester, and the excitement more 
 intense within the barricaded, starving city. 
 Through the wildly agitated crowds of women 
 of all classes, from manufacturers' wives to 
 factor}' girls, who moved up and down Deans- 
 gate, Market Street, and many other principal thoroughfares, 
 feverishly anxious for the safety of their husbands and brothers 
 manning the improvised defences, rumours of terrible disaster 
 spread like wildfire, and caused loud wailing and lamentation. 
 Now rumour told of huge British successes away beyond 
 the Mersey, a report which elated the pale-faced hungry ones, 
 but this being followed quickly by a further report that a force 
 of the defenders had been cut up and utterly annihilated out- 
 side Eccles, the cheering died away, and give place to deep, 
 long-drawn sighs and murmurings of despair. 
 
 Upon the dusty, perspiring throngs the hot noonday sun 
 beat down mercilessly, the low rumbling of artillery sounded 
 gradually closer and more distinct, and the smoke of burning 
 buildings in Sale and Altrincham slowly ascending hung in 
 the clear sky a black ominous cloud. 
 
 By about two o'clock the line of defence south of the 
 Mersey had been nearly all withdrawn, leaving, however, the 
 defending line running south-east of Stockport to Buxton and 
 the Peak. Although Cheadle had fallen into the enemy's
 
 CAM. AM' MAMi l;V rvrl.Isls IN I'AKK \V("il).
 
 Gallant Deeds by Cyclists 209 
 
 hands, an English ])attery, ostHblished near the railway at 
 Bamford, commanded the road from Cheadle to Stockport, and 
 British infantry, supported by artillery, were strongly en- 
 trenched from Bramhall Moor through Norbury, Poynton, 
 Wardsend, Booth Green, and Bnllington, then turning east 
 through Macclesfield Forest to Buxton. This line was being 
 hourly strengthened, and although not strong enough to take 
 the offensive, it was too strong for the Russians to attack. 
 
 All the bridges over the Mersey, from Glazebrook to Stock- 
 port, had been prepared for demolition, but it was not intended 
 to carry this out except as a last resource. Cavalry and 
 cyclist scouts who were left on the south of the Mersey had 
 withdrawn across the bridges, after exchanging shots with the 
 skirmishers of the advance guards of the enemy who quickly 
 lined the banks. The bridges north of Cheadle were then 
 blown up, and the defenders were well posted in Parr Wood, 
 near where it was believed the enemy would attempt to ford 
 the river. The Russians contented themselves with exchang- 
 ing a few shots with the defenders until half an hour later, 
 when some of their batteries had been established, and then 
 the passage of the Mersey at Northenden was commenced, 
 under cover of the guns of the Russians near the Convalescent 
 Hospital, north of Cheadle. 
 
 As soon as the Russian scouts approached the river three 
 British outposts could be seen in the wood. They were, how- 
 ever, driven in by some Cossacks, who forded the river and 
 attempted to enter the wood, but were all immediately killed 
 by hidden skirmishers. The Russian engineers were mean- 
 while busy building a pontoon bridge, which they soon com- 
 pleted, and they then crossed after a short opposition, rapidly 
 deploying to right and left in order to surround Didsbury. 
 
 This, the first force to cross the Mersey, consisted of two 
 battalions of the Kazan Regiment and two battalions of the 
 Vladimir, with two 9 - pounder and one 6 - pounder field 
 batteries and 100 cavalry. Didsbury had been put in a state 
 of hasty defence, and was held by two battalions of the de- 
 fenders, who also established a Volunteer battery at Bank
 
 2IO The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Hall, and lined the railway embankment in force as far as 
 Chorlton-with-Hardy. 
 
 The enemy's battery at the Convalescent Home had 
 rendered the wood almost untenable, but it was soon silenced 
 by the well-directed fire of the British Volunteer battery, and 
 the wood was then re-entered by the defenders. By this 
 time, however, a large number of the enemy had taken up 
 positions in it, and the British were once more gradually driven 
 back. 
 
 One section, consisting of six cyclists, with a light machine 
 gun mounted on a double cycle, was told off under Sergeant 
 Irons of the Eoyal Lancaster, to defend a junction of two 
 paths about half-way through the dense wood, and as the 
 latter was still occupied by the defenders, the enemy could 
 only make slow progress, and the cavalry could only move by 
 the paths. 
 
 Irons, taking advantage of a bend in the path, dismounted 
 his men, who, having drawn up their cycles under cover, were 
 formed up each side of the road to support the gun. About 
 thirty Eussian dragoons, with their infantry, who were work- 
 ing through the wood, were soon upon them, and, seeing such 
 a small force barring the way, the cavalry charged. 
 
 They, however, met with such a terribly hot reception that 
 only two reached the guns, and these were immediately shot. 
 The stand made by these seven men was a most noteworthy 
 instance of the indomitable courage of the defenders. In 
 those critical moments they remained calm and collected, 
 obeying the orders of their sergeant as coolly as if they had 
 been drilling in the barrack square. But their position was 
 one of momentarily increasing peril, for bullets whistled about 
 them, and the force against them was an overwhelming one. 
 The Russian horses and men who had fallen blocked the road, 
 and Irons therefore gave the order to fall in, as the sound of 
 firing had now drawn many of the enemy's skirmishers towards 
 the spot. 
 
 Irons then re-formed his squad, one of whom had been shot 
 and another wounded, and, taking the wounded man with
 
 Gallant Deeds by Cycllsts 2 1 1 
 
 them, retired. Just as they were moving off the corporal was 
 wounded in the shoulder, and Irons hin)self received a bullet 
 in the left arm. About two hundred yards nearer Didsbury 
 there was a clearing, with farm buildings on both sides of the 
 road, and these had been loopholed and occupied by a small 
 force of Volunteers. Irons, sending the wounded man on to 
 Didsbury, remained here with his gun, and a few minutes 
 later the position was vigorously attacked. 
 
 The conflict which ensued was of tlie fiercest description. 
 The mere handful of defenders fought with such desperate 
 courage that the great body of Russians which surrounded 
 them were from the first moment gradually swept away by the 
 steady and precise fire from the farm. Around the buildings 
 the enemy swarmed in overwhelming numbers, but every man 
 who showed himself was promptly picked off by Britons shooting 
 almost as coolly as if tliey were competing for prizes at Bisley. 
 
 Sergeant Irons' small machine gun, with its single barrel, 
 rattled out continuously, shedding its rain of lead in all 
 directions, while from muzzles of Martini rifles peeping over 
 walls and from windows there came a continuous stream of 
 bullets, which played frightful havoc with the foe. Within the 
 first ten minutes two men of the defending force had been 
 shot dead and one wounded; still, their comrades never lost 
 heart, for they were determined that their position should 
 never fall into the enemy's hands. The Russian officer who 
 was directing the operations of the attacking party rose and 
 shouted in Russian to encourage his men, but in a moment an 
 English bullet struck him, and, with a loud cry, he fell forward 
 over the body of a dragoon, shot through the heart. 
 
 The stand the cyclists and their companions made was un- 
 paralleled. They fouglit on heroically, knowing the importance 
 of the position they held, and how, if it were taken, other and 
 more serious British casualties must follow. Firing steadily 
 and with caution, they displayed such bravery that even the 
 Russians themselves were compelled to secretly admire them ; 
 and at last, after nearly half an hour's desperate fighting, the 
 Tsar's soldiers found themselves so terribly cut up that they
 
 2 12 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 were forced to retire, leaving more than half their number dead 
 and many wounded. 
 
 While this had been in progress, the British battery had 
 totally destroyed the Eussian pontoon, and thns all means of 
 retreat for this portion of the invading force were cut off. 
 About ten thousand men had crossed the river at this point, 
 and although they had deployed at first, they had all been 
 gradually driven into the wood by the fire from the railway 
 embankment. 
 
 As soon as the pontoon was destroyed, the British com- 
 menced to advance through the wood, slowly driving back the 
 Russians, who then endeavoured to make for Stretford along 
 the north bank of the river ; but on seeing their intention a 
 brigade of defenders was immediately pushed along the railway, 
 and two regiments of cavalry were hurried down the road to 
 Chorlton. 
 
 These succeeded in heading the enemy, and, suddenly 
 swooping down, they destroyed the rest of the Cossacks who 
 had escaped from the wood, as well as the remainder of the 
 force who had attacked the farm. 
 
 Another British battery was then hurried forward, and 
 after a stubborn fight the remainder of the invaders who had 
 crossed surrendered. 
 
 In this attack alone the Russians lost in killed and wounded 
 200 cavalry and nearly 2000 infantry and artillery, while 
 Stretford and Stockport still remained safe. But along the 
 long line east and west the battle raged with increasing 
 fierceness. The conflict was a terrible one on every hand. 
 
 The town of Lymm had been sacked, and was now burning, 
 while hundreds of unoffending men, women, and children living 
 in the quiet Cheshire villages had been wantonly massacred 
 by the Muscovites. The latter were, however, now suffering 
 well-merited punishment, for in this bloody battle they were 
 falling dead in hundreds. 
 
 The Russian Eagle was at last being forced to bite the 
 dustl
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 GREAT BATTLE OX THE MERSEY. 
 
 j HE long blazing day was one of many battles and 
 much toilsome combat. 
 
 Fighting spread over a front of nearly nine 
 miles, and during the engagement one wing of 
 the Russians was swung across three miles. 
 Hour after hour the tremendous warfare raged 
 between the armies of Queen Victoria and the Tsar, and the 
 bloodshed was everywhere terrible. 
 
 Small parties of the Russian Telegraph Corps had ferried 
 over the Ship Canal and the Mersey near Latchtbrd, and wires 
 were run out, and posts established connecting the headquarters 
 at Altrincham, on the south of the river, with the well-advanced 
 guard stations on the Liverpool Road towards Manchester at 
 AVooIstone, Hollinfare, and Lower Irlam. 
 
 Sending forth a huge division of infantry upon his left, and 
 three brigades of cavalry in the centre, the Russian General 
 struck hard at the British line between Stretford and Chorlton- 
 with-Hardy. 
 
 Meanwhile, beyond Ashton-on-lMersey the battle was also 
 growing in intensity, and ritle and cannon were noisily engaged. 
 A strong force of Russian infantry was at once pushed across 
 to Partington, where they succeeded in crossing the Ship Canal 
 and the Mersey, subsequently joining their advance guard at 
 Low^er Irlam. 
 
 The British reserves at Newton-in-Makerfield, however, 
 15
 
 2 14 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 swept down upon them, and a terrible fight quickly ensued. 
 The defenders advanced very steadily by section rushes, keeping 
 under good firing discipline as they went, and the enemy were 
 driven on towards Mixton, where they were simply swept away 
 by the 12-pounder batteries established there, while at the 
 same time their wires crossing the Mersey were cut, and com- 
 munication with their headquarters thus interrupted. 
 
 While this was in progress, another and more important 
 attack was being made on Stretford. The heavy artillery fire 
 and the affairs of outposts in the earlier stages of the battle 
 had been followed by a carefully-regulated long-range fire of 
 infantry on both sides. 
 
 The tactics the Eussians had displayed were as follows : — 
 They had gradually developed their infantry in front of the 
 Stretford position, and brought their pontoons in readiness for 
 a dash over the river. Then, after some tentative movements, 
 designed to feel the strength of our forces massed at this 
 important point, they apparently determined to carry it at any 
 cost. 
 
 On their right flank the enemy were losing very heavily. 
 A telegraphic message received at Altrincham gave the head- 
 quarters alarming news of constant reverses. A strong force 
 of infantry marching along the banks of the Etherow from 
 Compstall, intending to get to Hyde by way of Mottram and 
 Godley Junction, had been attacked by British infantry and a 
 couple of 9-pounders, and totally annihilated ; while at the 
 same time, about a thousand men attacking a British battery 
 on the hill at Charlesworth had been cut up and forced to 
 retreat, being followed by some Lancers right down to Ludwortli 
 Houses, where they were nearly all killed or w^ounded. 
 
 Indeed, times without number during that memorable day 
 the Eussians made fierce attacks upon our positions on the edge 
 of the Peak district, but on each occasion they were hurled 
 back with fearful loss by the thin line of defenders holding the 
 high ground. 
 
 A battery we had established on the crown of the hill at 
 Wernethwas charged again and again by Cossacks and Dragoons,
 
 Great Battle on the Mersey 215 
 
 but our men, displaying cool courage at the critical moments, 
 fought desperately, and mowed down the foe in a manner that 
 was remarkable. 
 
 The Eussians, having decided to carry Stretford, were 
 making vigorous demonstrations t(nvards the Teak, and in the 
 direction of Flixton, in order to distract our attention. They 
 occupied us at many points in the vast semicircle, and by thus 
 engaging us all along the line, endeavoured apparently to 
 prevent us from reinforcing the point at Stretford which they 
 intended gaining. Both invaders and defenders gradually 
 extended in order to meet outflanking movements, and this was 
 the cause of another sudden British success. It was a foregone 
 conclusion that such an extension would exceed the limits of 
 defensive power on one side or the other, and then blows would 
 be struck with the object of breaking the too extended line. 
 
 What occurred is, perhaps, best related by one of the special 
 correspondents of the Dally News, who, in his account of the 
 battle, published two days latei', said — 
 
 " About three o'clock I was at Barton with the force of 
 infantry who were liolding the road to Warrington, when we 
 unexpectedly received telegraphic information from head- 
 (|uarters of a rapid extension of the enemy's left flank. A 
 brigade which I accompanied was pushed on at once down to 
 Hollinfare, where we reinforced those who had been so success- 
 ful in cutting up the enemy at Lower Irlam half an hour before. 
 We then extended along the Liverpool Eoad, past Warrington, 
 as far as Widnes. I remained with a small detachment at 
 Hollinfare awaiting developments, when suddenly we were 
 informed that the enemy had thrown a pontoon bridge over the 
 ]\Iersey at its confluence with the Bollin, and that a great body 
 of infantry, with machine guns, had left Lymm, where they 
 had been lying inactive, and were already crossing. There 
 were not more than one hundred of us, mostly men of the 
 Loyal Lancashire from Preston and a few of the IMauchester 
 Regiment ; but at the word of command we dashed down the 
 road for nearly a mile, and then leaving it, doubled across the 
 flelds to Eixton Old Hall, where we obtained cover.
 
 2i6 Tpie Grkat War in England in 1897 
 
 " The Eussians had chosen the most advantageous spot 
 they could find to cross, for on the opposite bank tliere was a 
 small thick wood, and in this they remained quite concealed 
 until they suddenly dashed out and got across. Numbers had 
 already reached our side and were deploying, when our rifles 
 spoke out sharply, and, judging from the manner in which the 
 enemy were exposed, our fire was quite unexpected. About 
 thirty of our men, kneeling behind a wall, kept up a vigorous 
 fire, emptying their magazines with excellent effect upon the 
 grey-coats swarming over the improvised bridge. 
 
 " Still it was impossible to keep them back, for the force 
 effecting a passage was very much larger than we had antici- 
 pated. 
 
 " A few minutes later, having ascertained the extent of the 
 attack, our signallers opened communication with Higher Irlam, 
 and the information was conveyed on to Barton, whence the 
 heliograph flashed the news down to Stretford. 
 
 " Suddenly, however, in the midst of a shady clump of trees 
 there was a loud rattle and continuous flashing. The enemy 
 had brought a 10-barrelled Nordenfelt into play, and it was 
 raining bullets upon us at the rate of a thousand a minute ! 
 
 " The wall behind which I was crouching was struck by a 
 perfect hail of lead, and there was a loud whistling about 
 my ears that was particularly disconcerting. Nevertheless 
 our men had in their sudden dash for the defence secured an 
 excellent position, and only three were killed and five wounded 
 by this sudden outburst. , 
 
 " The struggle during the next few minutes \\as the most 
 desperate I have ever witnessed. At the moment of peril our 
 men displayed magnificent pluck. They seemed uttei'ly uncon- 
 cerned at their imminent danger, and lay or crouched, firing 
 independently with calm precision. A dozen or so fell 
 wounded, however, and a sergeant wlio knelt next to me, and 
 who was shooting through a hole in the wall, was shot through 
 tlie lieart, and fell dead while in the act of making an observa- 
 tion to me. 
 
 " The men who had attacked us were a fierce-looking set.
 
 Gkkat BattiJ': on the Mkrsey 21 
 
 mostly composed of Tcluiwakes tuid Mtjixlwa from the central 
 district of the Volga, and renowned as among the best infantry 
 tliat the Tsar can command. 
 
 "IJitles bristled from every bit of cover around iis, and it 
 was really marvellous that wo scored such success. Indeed, it 
 \v;is only by reason of the courageous conduct of every indi- 
 vidual man that the successful stand was made against such 
 overwhelming numbers. AVe knew that if the enemy forced 
 the passage and annihilated us, they would then be enabled to 
 outtlank our force, and get round to Eccles and Pendlebury — a 
 disaster which might result in the rapid investment of Man- 
 chester. Therefore we fought on, determined to do our very 
 utmost to stem the advancing tide of destroyers. 
 
 " Time after time our rifles rattled, and time after time the 
 deadly ISTordenfelt sent its hail of bullets around us. Presently, 
 however, we heard increased firing on our right, and then wel- 
 come signals reached us from ]\Iartinscroft Green. "We greeted 
 them with loud cheering, for a force of our infantry and cavalry 
 liad returned along the road from Warrington, and, working in 
 exteniled order, were bearing dowai upon the foe. 
 
 " "We ceased firing in that direction, and ere long we had 
 the satisfaction of seeing the enemy's pontoon blown up, and 
 then, with their retreat cut off, they became demoralised, and 
 were driven into the open, where we picked them off so rapidly 
 that scarcely one man of the 1500 who had .set his foot upon 
 the Lancashire bank survived. 
 
 " From first to last our men fought magnificently. The 
 whole engagement was a brilliant and almost unequalled dis- 
 play of genuine Biitish bravery, and all I can hope is that the 
 defenders of London will act their part with equal courage 
 when the decisive struggle comes."
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 THE FATE OF THE VANQUISHED. 
 
 HILE this vigorous attack on the right flank was 
 in progress, the enemy made a sudden dash 
 upon Stretford. 
 
 The edge of the town itself — or rather 
 suburb — lies but a short distance from the 
 Mersey, and the turnpike road runs straight 
 away over the river through Sale and Altrincham to Northwich. 
 At the end of the town nearest the river a road leading down 
 from Barton joins the main road, and at the junction is a large 
 red-brick modern hotel, tlie Old Cock, while adjoining is the 
 Manchester Tramway Company's stable and terminus. At a 
 little distance behind lies a high embankment, which carries the 
 railway from Manchester to Liverpool, while the Mersey itself, 
 though not wide, has steep banks with earthworks thrown up 
 to prevent floods. Hence the force holding this position found 
 ready-made defences which were now of the utmost value. 
 
 The defenders here included three batteries of lioyal 
 Artillery, one battalion of the Manchester Eegiment, the 2nd 
 Volunteer Battalion of the same regiment, and one of the 
 Lancashire Fusiliers, a field company of Engineers, half the 
 I4th (King's) Hussars witli their machine gun section, and a 
 company of signallers. Trenches had been dug at various 
 points, and eartliworks thrown up all along the line from 
 Chorlton over to Flixton. Across the junction of the two roads 
 opposite the Old Cock a great barricade had been constructed, 
 
 218
 
 TiiK Fatk ov tiik Vanquished 219 
 
 and behind this was a powerful battery that commanded the 
 level country away towards Altrincham. The bridges carrying 
 the road and railway over the river had both been demolished 
 by engineers, and many other precautions had been taken to 
 prevent the enemy forcing a passage across. 
 
 At last, with a swiftness that was surprising, the expected 
 assault was made. Its strength was terrific, and the carnage 
 on both sides appalling. 
 
 The first dash across was effected by the Russians from the 
 rifle range near Old Hall, and this was rapidly followed by 
 another from the bank opposite the battery at Stretford, while 
 further down a third attack was made near Mersey House, 
 close to Ashton. 
 
 Of the three, the strongest, of course, was that upon Stret- 
 ford. The enemy had, by a good deal of neat manoeuvring, 
 brought their main body within the triangle bounded on the 
 one side by the road from Cheadle to Altrincham, on the second 
 by the road from the latter place to the river, and the third by 
 the river itself. 
 
 Pontoons were floated at many points, and while some 
 cavalry forded the river, infantry and artillery rapidly crossed 
 in the face of a terrific fire which was pouring upon them. 
 
 Smokeless powder being used, the positions of the invaders 
 were not obscured, and it could be seen that the British were 
 effecting terrible execution. Hundreds of the foe who were in 
 the act of crossing were picked off', and shells falling upon the 
 pontoons destroyed them. The latter, however, were quickly 
 replaced, and the force of the Tsar, by reason of the over- 
 whelming numbers that had hurled themselves upon Stretford, 
 succeeded, after a desperately-contested fight, in breaking the 
 line of defence between Chorlton-with-Hardy and Fallowfield, 
 and advancing by short rushes upon Manchester. 
 
 But the British infantry in their trenches behaved 
 splendidly, and made the roads from Old Hall at Sale right 
 along to Partington quite untenable, so the continuous advance 
 of the enemy cost them very dearly. 
 
 liussian shells burstinii- in Stretford killed and injured large
 
 220 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 numbers of the defenders. Two of them struck the Old Cock 
 in rapid succession, almost completely demolishing it, but the 
 debris was quickly manned, and rifles soon spoke from its 
 ruined walls. Again, a shell exploding in the large tram 
 stables, set a hay store on fire, and this burned furiously, while 
 away in the centre of the town the Public Library and a 
 number of shops in the vicinity had also been ignited in a 
 similar manner. 
 
 At last tlie thousands of grey-coats swarming over the 
 country fell in such enormous numbers upon the British rifle 
 pits on the Mersey bank, that the first line of defence was at 
 length utterly broken down ; but in doing this the enemy's front 
 had become much exposed, whereupon the Maxims on the rail- 
 way embankment between the river and Barton suddenly burst 
 forth a perfect hail of Inillets, and in a short time a whole 
 division of Prussian infantry, cavalry, and artillery had been 
 literally swept out of existence. 
 
 The batteries down in the Stretford Ptoad, combined with 
 those on the embankment, had up to this moment played 
 greater havoc with the foe than any other. The men of the 
 Manchester Eegiment, both Ptegulars and Volunteers, were dis- 
 playing the greatest coolness; but unfortunately the Lanca- 
 shire Fusiliers and the Loyal North Lancashire, who had 
 manned the trenches, had been partially annihilated, the 
 majority lying dead, their bodies scattered over the level iields 
 and roads. Yet, notwithstanding the strenuous opposition of 
 the British batteries at this point, the Eussians were bringing 
 up huge reinforcements from Altrincham, Cheadle, and 
 Northenden, and by establishing strong batteries commanding 
 Stretford, they at last, about live o'clock, succeeded in killing 
 nearly half the gallant defenders, and driving back the sur- 
 vivors up the Barton Poad. 
 
 The tide of grey-coats rushing onward, captured the British 
 guns, and although the batteries on the railway embankment 
 still held out, and the enemy suffered heavily from their 
 Maxims, yet they pressed on into Stretford town, and com- 
 menced to sack it. Messrs. Williams, Deacon's Bank, was
 
 Till-: Fate of the Vanquished 221 
 
 entered, the safes blown open, and large sums in gold and 
 notes abstracted, shops were entered and looted, and houses 
 ransacked for jewellery. 
 
 Thus Stretford fell. 
 
 Its streets ran with blood ; and on, over the bodies of its 
 brave defenders, the hordes of the Great White Tsar marched 
 towards ]\Ianchester. 
 
 Meanwhile the British batteries on the railway embank- 
 ment had also fallen into the hands of the Eussians, who were 
 now driving the survivors over towards Barton. They did not, 
 however, retreat without a most desperate resistance. A row 
 of thatched and white-washed cottages at the bend of the road 
 they held for a long time, emptying their magazine rifles with 
 deadly effect upon their pursuers, but at last they were driven 
 north, and half an hour later joined their comrades who had 
 massed at Barton, but who had been attacked in great force 
 and fallen back in good order to Pendleton. 
 
 By this time the enemy, having pierced the line of outposts, 
 had occupied Barton and Eccles. At the former place they 
 had set on fire a number of factories, and out of mere desire 
 to cause as nnicli damage to property as possible, they had 
 blown up both the bridge that carried the road over the 
 Ship Canal, and also destroyed the magnificent swinging 
 aqueduct which carried the Bridgewater Canal over the 
 other. 
 
 This great triumph of engineering — one of the most success- 
 ful feats of the decade — was blown into the air by charges 
 of gun-cotton, and now lay across the Ship Canal a heap of 
 fallen masonry and twisted iron cantilevers, while the 
 water from the Bridgewater Canal was pouring out in 
 thousands of tons, threatening to flood the surrounding 
 district, and the church opposite had been wrecked by the 
 terrific force of the explosion. 
 
 A frightful panic had been caused in Manchester by these 
 reverses. The scenes in the streets were indescribable. At 
 tlie barricades, however, the enemy met with a desperate 
 resistance.
 
 22 2 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Three great columns were marching on Manchester at that 
 moment. The first, having broken the line of defence near 
 Fallowfield, divided into two divisions ; one, advancing up the 
 Wilmslow Eoad, stormed the great barricade opposite Eusholme 
 Hall, while the other appeared on the Withington Eoad, and 
 commenced to engage the defences that had been thrown across 
 Moss Lane and Chorlton Eoad. The second column advanced 
 to where Eccles Old Eoad joins Broad Street at Pendleton ; 
 and the third, sweeping along up the Stretford Eoad, met with 
 a terrific resistance at the Botanic Gardens at Trafford, the 
 walls of which, on either side of the road, were loopholed and 
 manned by infantry and artillery; while opposite, the Blind 
 Asylum was held by a regiment of infantry, and a strong 
 barricade, with a battery of 12-pounders, had been established 
 a little further towards the city, at the junction of the Chester 
 and Stretford New Eoads. 
 
 The enemy advanced here in enormous force ; but, seeing 
 the formidal)le defences, a number of cavalry and infantry 
 turned off along the Trafford Eoad, blew up the bridge of the 
 Ship Canal in order to prevent a pursuing force of British 
 cavalry from following, and after setting fire to the great 
 dock warehouses and crowd of idle ships, continued along 
 to Eccles New Eoad, where, however, they were met by 
 another force of our Hussars, and totally routed and cut 
 up. 
 
 From this point the tide of battle turned. It was already 
 lialf-past five, and the sun was sinking when the Eussian 
 forces prepared for their final onslaught. Cossacks and 
 Dragoons charged again and again, and infantry with bayonets 
 fixed rushed onward to the barricades in huge grey legions, 
 only to be met by a sweeping rain of British bullets, 
 which filled the roads with great heaps of dead. In these 
 defences, rendered doubly strong by the patriotic action 
 of the stalwart civilians of Manchester, the invaders could 
 make no breach, and before every one of them they fell in 
 thousands. 
 
 The men in the entrenchments saw the foe were falling

 
 The Fate of the Vanquished 22 
 
 back, unci found tlie attack growing weaker. Then signals 
 were made, and tliey raised a long hearty cheer when the 
 truth was flashed to them. 
 
 The news was inspiriting, and they fought on with redoubled 
 energy, for they knew that the great body of reserves from 
 Ashton-under-Lyne, Ilyde, and Compstall, as well as those 
 who had been occupying tlie hills on the edge of the Peak, 
 had been pushed right past Stretford to IJarton, and were 
 now advancing like a huge fan, outflanking the Russians and 
 attacking tliem in their rear. 
 
 The British tactics were excellent, for while the invaders 
 were attacked by cavalry and infantry on the one side, the 
 defenders manning the barricades made a sudden sortie, 
 cutting their way into tliem with bayonet rushes wliicli 
 they could not withstand, and wln'ch had a terribly fatal effect. 
 
 The Tsar's forces, nnable to advance or retreat, and beins: 
 thus completely surrounded, still fought on, and as they 
 refused to surrender, were literally massacred by thousands 
 by British troops, while many guns and horses were captined, 
 thousands of rounds of ammunition seized, and many men 
 taken prisoners. 
 
 The fight in that evening hour was tlie most fiercely con- 
 tested of any during that day. The fate of Manchester was in 
 the hands of our gallant soldiers, who, although necessarily 
 losing heavily before such an enormous army, behaved with a 
 courage that was magnificent, and which was deserving the 
 highest connnendation that could be bestowed. 
 
 As dusk gathered into darkness, tlie enemy were being 
 forced back towards the IMersey over the roads they had so 
 recently travelled, but still fighting, selling their lives dearly. 
 The highways and fields were strewn with their dead and 
 dying, for while infantry fired into their front from the cover 
 of houses and walls, our cavalry, with whirling sa})res, fell 
 upon them and hacked them to pieces. Neither Cossacks 
 nor ])ragoons proved a match for our Hussars, Lancers, and 
 Yeomanry, and even in face of the machine guns which the 
 liussians brouglit into play in an endeavour to break the line
 
 2 24 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 and escape, our infantry dashed on with grand and magnificent 
 charges, quickly seizing the Nordenfelts, turning their own 
 guns against them, and letting loose a fire that mowed down 
 hundreds. 
 
 Across the neighbouring country our forces swept in good 
 attack formation, and all along that great line, nearly six miles 
 in length, the slaughter of Enssians was frightful. 
 
 In the falling gloom fire flashed from the muzzles of rifles, 
 cannon, and machine guns, and far above the terrible din 
 sounded shrill cries of pain and hoarse shouts of despair as 
 the great Army that had devastated our beloved country with 
 fire and sword was gradually annihilated. In those roads in 
 the south of the city the scenes of bloodshed were awful, as a 
 force of over 20,000 Prussians were slaughtered because they 
 would not yield up their arms. 
 
 Outside Stretford a last desperate stand was made, but 
 ere long some British cavalry came thundering along, and 
 cut them down in a frightful manner, while about the same 
 time a Eussian flying column was annihilated over at Davy- 
 Hulme ; away at Carrington a retreating brigade of infantry 
 which had escaped over the river was suddenly pounced i\])on 
 by the defenders and slaughtered; and at Altrinchara the 
 enemy's headquarters were occupied, and the staff taken 
 prisoners. Ere the Eussian General could be forced to 
 surrender, however, he placed a revolver to his head, and 
 in full view of a number of his officers, blew his brains 
 out. 
 
 Then, when the moon shone out from behind a dark bank 
 of cloud just before midnight, she shed her pale light upon 
 the wide battlefield on both sides of the Mersey, whereon lay 
 the bodies of no fewer than 30,000 Enssians and 12,000 
 British, while 40,000 Enssians and 16,000 British lay wounded, 
 nearly 10,000 Enssians having been disarmed and marched 
 into the centre of the city as prisoners. 
 
 The victory had only been achieved at the eleventh hour 
 by dint of great courage and forethought, and being so swift 
 and effectual it was magnificent.
 
 The Fate oe the Vax\queshed 
 
 22 
 
 Manchester was safe, and the pul)Iic rejoicin^.s thronnhout 
 that night were unbounded. ° 
 
 The loss of hfe was too awful for reflection, for 12 000 
 of Britain s heroes— men who had won the battle— were lyin- 
 with their white lifeless faces upturned to the twinklin- 
 stars. <=>
 
 BOOK III 
 
 THE VICTORY 
 
 i6
 
 CHAPTEE XXVIII. 
 
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 A SHABBY AVAYFARER. 
 
 N Sussex the situation was no^v most critical. 
 The struggle between the French invaders and 
 the line of Volunteers defending London was 
 long and desperate, but our civilian soldiers 
 were bearing their part bravely, showing how 
 Britons could fight, and day after day repelling 
 the repeated assaults with a vigour that at once proved their 
 efficiency. 
 
 Three days after the battle at Manchester had been fought 
 and won, a man with slouching gait and woeful countenance, 
 attired in a cheap suit of shabby grey, stood on the steps of 
 the Granton Hotel, at Granton, and with his hands thrust into 
 his pockets gazed thoughtfully out over the broad waters of 
 the Firth of Forth, to where the Fifeshire hills loomed dark 
 upon the horizon. Slowly his keen eyes wandered away east- 
 ward to the open sea, an extensive view of which he obtained 
 from the flight of steps whereon he stood, and then with a sigh 
 of disappointment he buttoned his coat, and, grasping his stick, 
 descended, and walked at a leisurely pace along the road 
 through Newhaven to Leith, 
 
 " To-night. To-night at sundown ! " he mutteretl to himself, 
 as he bent his head to the wind. 
 
 Involuntarily he placed his hand to his hip to reassure 
 himself that a letter he carried was still safe. 
 
 "Bah !"he continued, "I declare I feel quite timid to-night. 
 
 229
 
 230 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Everything is so quiet here; the houses look deserted, and 
 everybody seems to have left the place. Surely they can have 
 no suspicion, and — and if they had ? What does it matter ? — 
 eh, what ? " 
 
 Quickening his pace, he passed down the long, quaint 
 street of Newhaven, lined on each side by ancient fishermen's 
 cottages, and then, crossing the railway, passed under the wall 
 of Leith Fort, whereon a couple of sentries were pacing. 
 Glancing up at the two artillerymen, with the half-dozen 
 obsolete guns behind them, and their background of grass- 
 grown mounds and buildings, the wayfarer smiled. He was 
 thinking how different would be the scene at this spot ere 
 long. 
 
 Leith Fort was a sort of fortified back-garden. The railway 
 ran close to the sea, parallel with which was the highway, and 
 upon higher ground at the back was a block of buildings, 
 before which a few black old cannon were placed in formidable 
 array, and in such a position as to be fully exposed to any 
 destructive projectiles fired from the sea. 
 
 On w^ent the down-at-heel wayfarer, his shifty eyes ever on 
 the alert, viewing with suspicion the one or two persons he 
 met. Apparently he was expecting the arrival of some craft, 
 for his gaze was constantly turned towards the wide expanse 
 of grey water, eager to detect the smallest speck upon the 
 horizon. Any one who regarded him critically might have 
 noticed something remarkable about his appearance, yet not 
 even his most intimate friends would have recognised in this 
 broken-down, half-starved clerk, who had arrived at Granton 
 that morning, after tramping over from Glasgow, the popular 
 man-about-town, the Count von Beilstein ! 
 
 "Tliose fools will soon be swept away into eternity," he 
 muttered to himself, as he glanced back in the direction of 
 the fort. " They will have an opportunity of tasting Eussian 
 lead, and of practising with their guns, which are only fit for 
 a museum. They mount guard to defend an attack ! Bah ! 
 They seek their own destruction, for no force can withstand 
 that which will presently appear to give them a sudden
 
 A Shabby Wayfarer 2:11 
 
 rousing-. They will Le elevated — blown into the air, together 
 with their miserable guns, their barracks, and the whole of 
 their antiquated para})hernalia. And to me the world owes 
 this national catastrophe ! I am the looker-on. These British 
 have a proverb that the looker-on sees most of the game. 
 Bien ! that is full of truth." 
 
 And he chuckled to himself, pursuing his way at the same 
 pace, now and then glancing back as if to assure himself that 
 no one dogged his footsteps. Darkness had crept on quickly 
 as he passed along through the open country at Fillyside and 
 entered Portobello, the little watering-place so popular with 
 holiday makers from Edinburgh during the summer. Along 
 the deserted promenade he strolled leisurely from end to end, 
 and passing out of the town through Joppa, came at length to 
 that rugged shore between the Salt Pans and Easttield. The 
 tide was out, so, leaving the road, he walked on in the darkness 
 over the shingles until he came to a small cove, and a moment 
 later two men confronted him. 
 
 A few sentences in Kussian w^ere rapidly exchanged between 
 the spy and the men, and then the latter at once guided him 
 to where a boat lay in readiness, but concealed. Five minutes 
 later the Count was being rowed swiftly but silently away into 
 the darkness by six stalwart men belonging to one of the Tsar's 
 battleships. 
 
 The oars dipped regularly as the boat glided onwards, but 
 no word was exchanged, until about twenty minutes later the 
 men suddenly stopped pulling, a rope thrown by a mysterious 
 but vigilant hand whistled over their heads and fell across 
 them, and then they found themselves under the dark side 
 of a huge ironclad. It was the new battleship, Admiral 
 Orlovsli, which had only just left the Baltic for the first time. 
 AVithout delay the spy climbed on board, and was con- 
 ducted at once by a young officer into the Admiral's private 
 cabin. 
 
 A bearded, niiddlc-nged man, in handsome naval uniform, 
 who was poring over a chart, rose as he entered. The spy, 
 bowing, said briefly in Kussian —
 
 232 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 " I desire to see Prince Feodor Mazaroff, Admiral of the 
 Fleet." 
 
 " I am at your service, m'sieur," the other replied in French, 
 motioning him to a chair. 
 
 The Count, seating himself, tossed his hat carelessly upon 
 the table, explaining that he had been sent by the Eussian 
 Intelligence Department as bearer of certain important docu- 
 ments which would materially assist him in his operations. 
 
 " Yes," observed the Prince, " I received a telegram from 
 the Ministry at Petersburg before I left Christiansand, telling 
 me to await you here, and that you would furnish various 
 information." 
 
 " That I am ready to do as far as lies in my power," replied 
 the Count, taking from his hip pocket a bulky packet, sealed 
 with three great daubs of black wax. This he handed to the 
 Prince, saying, " It contains maps of the country between 
 Edinburgh and Glasgow, specially prepared by our Secret 
 Service, together with a marked chart of the Firth of Forth, 
 and full detailed information regarding the troops remaining 
 to defend this district." 
 
 The Admiral broke the seals, and glanced eagerly through 
 the contents, witli evident satisfaction. 
 
 " Now, what is the general condition of the south of Scot- 
 land ? " the Prince asked, lounging back, twirling his moustache 
 with a self-satisfied air. 
 
 " Totally unprepared. It is not believed that any attack 
 will be made. The military left north of the Cheviots after 
 mobilisation were sent south to assist in the defence of 
 Manchester." 
 
 " Let us hope our expedition to-night will meet with 
 success. We are now one mile east of Craig Waugh, and in 
 an hour our big guns will arouse Leith from its lethargy. 
 You will be able to watch the fun from deck, and give us the 
 benefit of your knowledge of the district. Is the fort at Leith 
 likely to offer any formidable resistance ? " continued the 
 Admiral, " I see the information here is somewhat vague 
 upon that point."
 
 A Shabby Wayfarer 233 
 
 " The place is useless," replied the spy, as he stretched out 
 his hand and took a pencil and paper from the Prince's writing- 
 table. " See ! I will sketch it for you. In the character of a 
 starving workman who desired to volunteer I called there, and 
 succeeded in obtaining a good view of the interior. They have 
 a few modern guns, but the remainder are old muzzleloaders, 
 which against such guns as you have on board here will be 
 worse than useless." And as he spoke he rapidly sketched a 
 plan of the defences in a neat and accurate manner, acquired by 
 long practice. " The most serious resistance will, however, be 
 offered from Inchkeith Island, four miles off' Leith. There has 
 lately been established there a new fort, containing guns of the 
 latest type. A plan of the place, which I succeeded in obtain- 
 ing a few days ago, is, you will find, pinned to the chart of the 
 rirth of Forth." 
 
 The Admiral opened out the document indicated, and 
 closely examined the little sketch plan appended. On the 
 chart were a number of small squares marked in scarlet, 
 surrounded by a blue circle to distinguish them more readily 
 from the dots of red which pointed out the position of the 
 lights. These squares, prepared with the utmost care by von 
 Beilstein, showed the position of certain submarine mines, a 
 plan of wliich he had succeeded in obtaining by one of his 
 marvellous master-strokes of finesse. 
 
 " Thanks to yon. Count, our preparations are now complete," 
 observed the Prince, offering the spy a cigarette from his silver 
 case, and taking one himself. "Our transports, with three 
 army corps, numbering nearly 60,000 men and 200 guns, 
 are at the present moment lying 12 miles north of the Bass 
 Ptock, awaiting orders to enter the Firth, therefore I think 
 when we land we shall " — 
 
 A ray of brilliant white light streamed for a moment 
 through the port of the cabin, and then disappeared. 
 
 The Prince, jumping to his feet, looked out into the dark- 
 ness, and saw the long beam sweeping slowly round over 
 the water, lighting up the ships of his squadron in rapid 
 succession.
 
 234 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 "The search-lights of Inchkeith!" he gasped, with an 
 imprecation. " I h"ad no idea ^ve were within their range, but 
 now they have discovered us there's no time to be lost. For 
 the present I must leave you. You will, of course, remain on 
 board, and land with us " ; and a moment later he rushed on 
 deck, and shouted an order which was promptly obeyed. 
 
 Suddenly there was a low booming, and in another second 
 a column of dark water rose as the first shot ricochetted about 
 five hundred yards from their bows. Orders shouted in 
 Kussian echoed through the ship, numbers of signals were 
 exchanged rapidly with the other vessels, and the sea suddenly 
 became alive with torpedo boats. 
 
 Time after time the British guns sounded like distant 
 thunder, and shots fell in the vicinity of the Eussian ships. 
 Suddenly, as soon as the men were at their quarters, electric 
 signals rang from the conning-tower of the Admiral OrlovsU, 
 and one of her 56-tonners crashed and roared from her turret, 
 and a shot sped away towards where the light showed. The 
 noise immediately became deafening as the guns from nine 
 other ships thundered almost simultaneously, sending a perfect 
 hail of shell upon the island fort. In the darkness the scene 
 was one of most intense excitement. 
 
 For the first time the spy found himself amidst the din of 
 battle, and perhaps for the first time in his life his nerves were 
 somewhat shaken as he stood in a convenient corner watching 
 the working of one of the great guns in the turret, which 
 regularly ran out and added its voice to the incessant thunder.
 
 CHAPTEE XXIX. 
 
 LANDING OF THE ENEMY AT LEITH. 
 
 pl^ --y^ .^-3 LL the vessels were now under steam and 
 ^^'^Yj'jfe^ approaching Inchkeith, when suddenly two 
 § /^^ ^ shells struck the Admiral Orlovski amidships, 
 U'^^%-^1^ carrying away a portion of her superstructure. 
 ^^f '■•i^-^ Several of the other vessels were also hit 
 
 ^^ — *^ almost at the same moment, and shortly after- 
 wards a torpedo boat under the stern of the flagship was 
 struck by a shell, and sank with all hands. Time after time 
 the Eussian vessels poured out their storm of shell upon the 
 ibrt, DOW only about a mile and a half distant ; but the British 
 fire still continued as vigorous and more effective than at first. 
 Again the flagship was struck, this time on the port 
 quarter, but the shot glanced oft' her armour into the sea ; 
 M'hile a moment later another shell struck one of her fighting 
 tops, and, bursting, wrecked two of the machine guns, and 
 killed half a dozen unfortunate fellows who had manned them. 
 The debris fell heavily upon the deck, and the disaster, being 
 witnessed by the spy, caused him considerable anxiety for his 
 own safety. 
 
 Even as he looked he suddenly noticed a brilliant flash 
 from one of the cruisers lying a little distance away. There 
 was a terrific report, and amid flame and smoke wreckage shot 
 high into the air. An explosion had occurred in the magazine, 
 and it was apparent the ship was doomed ! Other disasters to 
 the Eussians followed in quick succession. A cruiser which
 
 236 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 was lying near the Herwit light-buoy blazing away upon the 
 fort, suddenly rolled heavily and gradually heeled over, the 
 water around her being thrown into the air by an explosion 
 beneath the surface. A contact mine had been fired, and the 
 bottom of the ship had been practically blown out, for a few 
 minutes later she went down with nearly every soul on board. 
 
 At the moment this disaster occurred, the Admiral Orlovski, 
 still discharging her heavy guns, was about half-way between 
 the Briggs and the Pallas Eock, when a search-light illumi- 
 nated her from the land, and a heavy fire was suddenly opened 
 ujDon her from Leitli Fort. 
 
 This was at once replied to, and while five of the vessels 
 kept up their fire upon Inchkeith, the three others turned 
 their attention towards Leith, and commenced to bombard it 
 with common sliell. 
 
 How effectual were their efforts the spy could at once see, 
 for in the course of a quarter of an hour, notwithstanding the 
 defence offered by Leitli Fort and several batteries on Arthur's 
 Seat, at Granton Point, Wardie Bush, and at Seaside Meadows, 
 near Portobello, fires were breaking out in various quarters of 
 the town, and factories and buildings were now burning with 
 increasing fury. The great paraffin refinery had been set on 
 fire, and the flames, leaping high into the air, shed a lurid glare 
 far away over the sea. 
 
 Shells, striking the Corn Exchange, wrecked it, and one, 
 flying away over the fort, burst in the Leith Distillery, with 
 the result that the place was set on fire, and soon burned with 
 almost equal fierceness with the paraffin works. The shipping 
 in the Edinburgh, Albert, and Victoria Docks was ablaze, and 
 the drill vessel H.M.S. Durham had been shattered and 
 was burning. A great row of houses in Lindsay Koad had 
 fallen prey to the flames, while among the other large 
 buildings on fire were the Baltic Hotel, the great goods station 
 of the North British Eailway, and the National Bank of 
 Scotland. 
 
 In addition to being attacked from the forts on the island, 
 and on land, the Eussians were now being vigorously fired
 
 Landing of the Enemy at Lkith 237 
 
 upon by the British Coastguard ship ImpMeuse, which, with 
 tlie cruiser Active, and the gunboat cruisers Cockchafer, Firm, 
 and Watcliful, had now come within range. Soon, however, 
 
 POSITIONS FOK THE DEFENCE OF EDINDUKGH. 
 
 the enemy were reinforced by several powerful Acssels, and in 
 tlie fierce battle that ensued the British ships were driven oft". 
 Then by reason of the reinforcements which the Eussiaus
 
 238 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 brought up, and the great number of transports which were 
 now arriving, the defence, desperate though it had been, alas ! 
 broke down, and before midnight the invader set his foot upon 
 Scottish soil. 
 
 Ere the sun rose, a huge force of 60,000 men had com- 
 menced a march upon Edinburgh and Glasgow ! 
 
 Events on shore during that never-to-be-forgotten night 
 were well described by Captain Tiller of the Eoyal Artillery, 
 stationed at Leith Fort, who, in a letter written to his young 
 wife at Carlisle, on the following day, gave the following 
 narrative : — 
 
 " Disaster has fallen upon us. The Eussians have landed 
 in Scotland, and the remnant of our force which was at Leith 
 has fallen back inland. On Friday, just after nightfall, 
 we were first apprised of our danger by hearing heavy firing 
 from the sea in the direction of Inchkeith Fort, and all 
 civilians were sent on inland, while we prepared for the fight. 
 
 " Very soon a number of ships were visible, some of them 
 being evidently transports, and as they were observed taking 
 soundings, it was clear that an immediate landing was in- 
 tended. Fortunately it was a light night, and while two 
 Volunteer field batteries were sent out along the coast west to 
 Cramond and east to Fisherrow, we completed our arrange- 
 ments in the fort. With such antiquated weapons as were at 
 our disposal defeat was a foregone conclusion, and we knew 
 that to annoy the enemy and delay their landing would be the 
 extent of our resistance. Some of our guns were, of course, 
 of comparatively recent date, and our supply of ammunition 
 was fair, but the A^ohmteer guns were antiquated 40-pounder 
 nmzzleloaders, which ought to have been withdrawn years ago, 
 and the gunners had had very little field training. The 
 arrangements for horsing the guns were also very inefficient, 
 and they had no waggons or transport. Most of our forces 
 having been drawn south, the only infantry available was a 
 battalion and a half — really a provisional battalion, for it was 
 composed of portions of two Volunteer rifle regiments, with a 
 detachment of Eegulars. Our Eegular artillery detachment
 
 Landing of the Enemy at Leith 239 
 
 was, unfortunately, very inadequate, for although the arma- 
 ment of the fort had been recently strengthened, the force had 
 been weakened just before the outbreak of war Ijy the despatch 
 of an Indian draft. 
 
 " It was a})parent that the enemy would not attempt to 
 destroy our position, but land and carry it by assault ; there- 
 fore, while the Inchkeith guns kept them at bay, we under- 
 mined our fort, opened our magazines, and got ready for a 
 little target practice. 
 
 " The Volunteer batteries sent eastward had been ordered to 
 do wliat execution they could, and then, in the case of a reverse, 
 to retire through Portobello and Duddingston to Edinburgh, 
 and those on the west were to go inland to Eatho ; while we 
 were resolved to hold the fort as long as possible, and if at last 
 we were compelled to retire we intended to blow up the place 
 before leaving. 
 
 " As soon as we found the Ilussian flagship within range, 
 we opened fire upon her, and this action caused a perfect 
 storm of projectiles to be directed upon us. The town was soon 
 in flames, the shipping in the harbour sank, and the martello 
 tower was blown to pieces. Our search-light was very soon 
 brought into requisition, and by its aid some of the boats of 
 the enemy's transports were sunk, wdiile others came to grief 
 on the Black Eocks. 
 
 "By this time the enemy had turned their search-lights 
 in every direction where they could see firing, and very soon 
 our Volunteer batteries were silenced, and then Granton 
 harbour fell into the hands of the enemy's landing parties. 
 Having first rendered their guns useless, the survivors fell 
 back to Corstorphine Hill, outside Edinburgh, and we soon 
 afterwards received intelligence that the Russians were land- 
 ing at Granton in thousands. Meanwhile, although our 
 garrison was so weak and inexperienced, we nevertheless kept 
 up a vigorous fire. 
 
 " We saw how Inchkeith Fort had been silenced, and how 
 our Volunteer batteries had been destroyed, and knew that 
 sooner or later we must share the same fate, and abandon our
 
 240 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 position. As boatload after boatload of Eussians attempted to 
 land, we either sank them by shots from our guns or swept 
 them with a salvo of bullets from our Maxims ; yet as soon 
 as we had hurled back one landing party others took its 
 place. 
 
 " ]\Iany were the heroic deeds our gunners performed that 
 night, as hand to hand they fought, and annihilated the 
 Eussians who succeeded in landing; but in this frightful 
 struggle we lost heavily, and at length, when all hope of an 
 effective defence had been abandoned, we placed electric wires 
 in the magazine, and the order was given to retire. This we 
 did, leaving our search-light in position in order to deceive the 
 enemy. 
 
 " Half our number had been killed, and we sped across to 
 Bonnington, running out a wire along the ground as we went. 
 The Eussians, now landing rapidly in great force, swarmed into 
 the fort and captured the guns and ammunition, while a party 
 of infantry pursued us. But we kept them back for fully 
 a quarter of an hour, until we knew that the fort would 
 be well garrisoned by the invaders; then we sent a current 
 throush the wire. 
 
 " The explosion that ensued was deafening, and its effect 
 appalling. Never have I witnessed a more awful sight. 
 Hundred of tons of all sorts of explosives and ammunition 
 were fired simultaneously by the electric spark, and the whole 
 fort, with nearly six hundred of the enemy, who were busy 
 establishing their headquarters, were in an instant blown into 
 the air. For several moments the space around us where we 
 stood seemed filled with tiying debris, and the mangled remains 
 of those who a second betbre had been elated beyond measure 
 by their success. 
 
 " Those were terribly exciting moments, and for a few 
 seconds there was a cessation of the firing. Quickly, however, 
 the bombardment was resumed, and although we totally 
 annihilated the force pursuing us, we fell back to Eestalrig, 
 and at length gained the battery that had been established on 
 Arthur's Seat, and which was now keeping up a heavy fire
 
 Landing of the Enemy at Leitii 241 
 
 upon the Eussian transports lying out in the Narrow Deep. 
 Subsequently we went on to Dalkeith. Our situation is most 
 critical in every respect, but we are expecting reinforcements, 
 and a torril^le battle is innninent." 
 
 Thus the Paissians landed three corps of 20,000 each 
 where they were least expected, and at once prepared to invest 
 Edinburgh and Glasgow. Three of the boats wliich came 
 ashore at Leitli that night, after the blowing up of the fort, 
 brought several large mysterious-looking black boxes, which 
 were handled with infinite care by the specially selected 
 detachment of men who had been told off to take charge of 
 them. Upon the locks were the official seals of the Russian 
 War Office ; and even the men themselves, unaware of their 
 contents, looked upon them with a certain amount of suspicion, 
 handling them very gingerly, and placing them in waggons 
 which they seized from a builder's yard on the outskirts of the 
 town. 
 
 The officers alone knew the character of these mysterious 
 consignments, and as they superintended the landing, 
 whispered together excitedly. The news of the invasion, 
 already telegraphed throughout Scotland from end to end, 
 caused the utmost alarm ; but had the people known what 
 those black boxes, the secret of which was so carefully 
 guarded, contained, they would have been dismayed and 
 appalled. 
 
 Truth to tell, the Russians were about to try a method 
 of wholesale and awful destruction, which, although vaguely 
 suggested in time of peace, had never yet been tested in the 
 field. 
 
 If successful, they knew it would cause death and desola- 
 tion over an inconceivably wide area, and prove at once a 
 most extraordinary and startling development of modern war- 
 fare. The faces of a whole army, however brave, would blanch 
 before its terrific power, and war in every branch, on land and- 
 on sea, would become revolutionised.
 
 242 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 But the boxes remained locked and guarded. The secret 
 was to be kept until the morrow, when the first trial was 
 ordered to be made, and the officers in charge expressed an 
 opinion between themselves that a blow would then be struck 
 that would at once startle and terrify the whole world.
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 ^e^a^SM^p 
 
 ^^p 
 
 ^^^S 
 
 <^^^ 
 
 ATTACK ON EDINBUKGH. 
 
 N attacking Edinburgh the besiegers at once 
 discovered they had a much more difficult 
 task than they had anticipated. The Russian 
 onslaught had been carefully planned. Land- 
 ing just before dawn, the 1st Corps, consist- 
 ing of about twenty thousand men, marched 
 direct to Glasgow by way of South Queensferry and Kirk- 
 liston, and through Linlithgow, sacking and burning all three 
 towns in the advance. 
 
 The 3rd Army Corps succeeded, after some very sharp 
 skirmishing, in occupying the Pentland Hills, in order to pro- 
 tect the Hanks of the first force, while a strong detachment 
 was left behind to guard the base at Leith. The 2nd Corps 
 meanwhile marched direct upon Edinburgh. 
 
 The defenders, consisting of Militia, Infantry, Artillery, 
 the local Volunteers left behind during the mobilisation, and a 
 large numl)er of civilians from the neighbouring towns, who 
 had hastily armed on hearing the alarming news, were quickly 
 massed in three divisions on the Lammermuir Hills, along the 
 hills near Peebles, and on Tinto Hill, near Lanark. 
 
 The Piussian army corps which marched from Leith uj^on 
 Edinburgh about seven o'clock on the following morning met 
 with a most desperate resistance. On Arthur's Seat a strong 
 battery had been establi.shed by the City of Edinburgh 
 Artillery, under Col. J. F. Mackay, and the 1st Berwickshire, 
 17
 
 244 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 under Col. A. Johnston ; and on the higher parts of the 
 Queen's Drive, overlooking the crooked little village of Dud- 
 dingston, guns of the 1st Forfarshire, under Col. Stewart-Sande- 
 mau, V.D., flashed and shed forth torrents of bullets and shell, 
 which played havoc with the enemy's infantry coming up the 
 Portobello and Musselburgh roads. Batteries on the Braid 
 and Blackford Hills commanded the southern portion of the 
 city ; while to the west, the battery on Corstorphine Hill pre- 
 vented the enemy from pushing along up the high road from 
 Granton. 
 
 BetW'Cen Jock's Lodge and Duddingston Mills the Eussians, 
 finding cover, commenced a sharp attack about nine o'clock ; 
 but discovering, after an hour's hard fighting, that to attempt 
 to carry the defenders' position was futile, they made a sudden 
 retreat towards Niddry House. 
 
 The British commander, observing this, and suspecting 
 their intention to make a circuit and enter the city by way of 
 Newington, immediately set his field telegraph to work, and 
 sent news on to the infantry brigade at Blackford. 
 
 This consisted mainly of the Queen's Volunteer Eifle 
 Brigade (Eoyal Scots), under Col. T. W. Jones, V.D. ; the 4th, 
 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Volunteer Battalions of the Eoyal Scots, 
 under Col. W. U. Martin, V.D., Col. W. I. Macadam, Col. Sir 
 G. D. Clerk, Col. P. Dods, and Col. G. F. Melville respectively, 
 with a company of engineers. The intelligence they received 
 placed them on the alert, and ere long the enemy extended his 
 flank in an endeavour to enter Newington. The bridges 
 already prepared for demolition by the defenders were now 
 promptly blown uj), and in the sharp fight that ensued the 
 enemy were repulsed with heavy loss. 
 
 Meanwliile the formidaljle division of the 3rd Eussian 
 Army Corps guarding the base at Leith had attacked the Cor- 
 storphine position, finding their headquarters untenable under 
 its fire, and although losing several guns and a large number 
 of men, they succeeded, after about an hour's hard fighting, in 
 storming the hill and sweeping away the small but gallant 
 band of defenders.
 
 Attack on Edinburgh 245 
 
 The fight was long. It was a struggle to the death. 
 Over the whole historic battle-ground from the Tweed to the 
 Forth, lighting spread, and everywhere the loss of life was 
 terrible. 
 
 The long autumn day passed slowly, yet hostilities con- 
 tinued as vigorous and sanguinary as they had begun. Before 
 the sun sank many a brave Briton lay dead or dying, but many 
 more JMuscovites had been sent to that bourne whence none 
 return. 
 
 As it was, the British line of communications was broken 
 between Temple and Eddleston, the outposts at the latter 
 place having been surprised and slaughtered. But although 
 the enemy strove hard to break down the lines of defence and 
 invest Edinburgh, yet time after time they were hurled back 
 with fearful loss. Colinton and Liberton w^ere sacked and 
 burned by the Tsar's forces. On every hand the Russians 
 spread death and destruction ; still the defenders held their 
 own, and when the fighting ceased after nightfall Edinburgh 
 was still safe. Strong barricades manned by civilians had 
 been hastily thrown up near the station in Leith Walk, in 
 London Eoad opposite the Abbey Church, in Inverleith Eow, 
 in Clerk Street and Montague Street, while all the bridges 
 over the Water of Leith had been blown up with gun-cotton ; 
 quick-firing guns had been posted on Calton Hill and at the 
 Castle, while in St. Andrew's Square a battery had been estab- 
 lished by the 1st Haddington Volunteer Artillery, under Major 
 J. J. Kelly, who had arrived in haste from Dunbar, and this 
 excellent position commanded a wide stretch of country away 
 towards Granton. 
 
 At dead of night, under the calm, bright stars, a strange 
 scene might have been witnessed. In the deep shadow cast 
 by the wall of an old and tumble-down barn near the cross- 
 roads at Niddry, about three miles from Edinburgh, two 
 Russian infantry officers were in earnest conversation. They 
 stood leaning upon a broken fence, talking in a half-whisper 
 in Frencli, so that the half-dozen privates might not under- 
 stand what they said. The six men M-ere busy unpacking
 
 246 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 several strange black cases, handling the contents with infinite 
 care. Apparently three of the boxes contained a quantity of 
 fine silk, carefully folded, while another contained a number 
 of square, dark-looking packages, which, when taken out, were 
 packed in order upon a strong net which was first spread upon 
 the grass. Eopes were strewn over the ground in various 
 directions, the silk was unfolded, and presently, when all the 
 contents had been minutely inspected by the two officers with 
 lanterns, a small tube was taken from a box that had remained 
 undisturbed, and fastened into an object shaped like a bellows. 
 
 Then, when all preparations were satisfactorily completed, 
 the six men threw themselves upon the grass to snatch an 
 hour's repose, while the officers returned to their previous 
 positions, leaning against the broken fence, and gravely dis- 
 cussing their proposals for the morrow's gigantic sensation. 
 The elder of the two was explaining to his companion the 
 nature of the coup which they intended to deliver, and the 
 mode in which it would be made. So engrossed were they in 
 the contemplation of the appalling results that would accrue, 
 they did not observe that they were standing beneath a small 
 square hole in the wall of the barn ; neither did they notice 
 that from this aperture a dark head protruded for a second and 
 then quick as lightning withdrew. It was only like a shadow, 
 and disappeared instantly ! 
 
 Ten minutes later a mysterious figure was creeping cautiously 
 along under the hedge of the high road to Newington in the 
 direction of the British lines. Crawling along the grass, and 
 pausing now and then with his ear to the ground, listening, he 
 advanced by short, silent stages, exercising the greatest caution, 
 well aware that death would be his fate sliould he be dis- 
 covered. In wading the Braid Burn he almost betrayed him- 
 self to a Kussian sentry; but at last, after traveling for over an 
 hour, risking discovery at any moment, he at length passed the 
 British outposts beyond liberton, and ascended the Braid Hills 
 to the headquarters. 
 
 The story he tohl the General commanding was at first 
 looked upon as ludicrous. In the dim candlelight in the
 
 Attack on Edinuurgh 247 
 
 General's tent lie certainly looked a disreputal)le derelict, his 
 old and tattered clothes wet through, his hands cut by stones 
 and bleeding, and his face half covered with mud. The three 
 officers who were with the General laughed when he dashed in 
 excitedly, and related the conversation he had overheard ; yet 
 when he subsequently went on to describe in detail what he 
 had witnessed, and when they remembered that this tramp was 
 an artilleryman who had long ago been conspicuous by his 
 bravery at El Teb, and an ingenious inventor, their expression 
 of annisement gave way to one of alarm. 
 
 The General, who had been writing, thoughtfully tapped 
 the little camp table before him with his pen. "So they 
 intend to destroy us and wreck the city by that means, now 
 that their legitimate tactics have failed ! I can scarcely credit 
 that such is their intention ; yet if thev should be successful— 
 if " — • 
 
 " But they will not be successful, sir. If you will send 
 some one to assist me, and allow me to act as I think fit, I will 
 frustrate their dastardly design, and the city shall be saved." 
 
 "You are at liberty to act as you please. You know their 
 plans, and I have perfect confidence in you, Mackenzie," replied 
 the officer. " Do not, however, mention a word of the enemy's 
 intention to any one. It would terrify the men ; and although 
 I do not doubt their bravery, yet the knowledge of such a 
 horrible fate hanging over them must necessarily increase their 
 anxiety, and thus prevent them from doing their best. We are 
 weak, but remember we are all Britons. iSTow come," he added, 
 " sit there, upon tliat box, and explain at once what is your 
 scheme of defence against this extraordinary attack." 
 
 And the fearless man to whom the General had entrusted 
 the defence of Edinburgh obeyed, and commenced to explain 
 what means he intended to take— a desperate but well-devised 
 plan, which drew forth words of the highest commendation 
 from the commanding officer and those witli liim. They knew 
 that the fate of Edinburgh hung in tlie balance, and that if the 
 city were taken it would be the first step towards their down- 
 fall.
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 "THE DEMON OF WAR. 
 
 WO hours later, just before the break of day, 
 British bugles sounded, and the camp on the 
 Braid Hills was immediately astir. That the 
 enemy were about to test the efficiency of a 
 new gigantic engine of war was unknown 
 except to the otticers and the brave man who 
 had risked his life in order to obtain the secret of the foeman's 
 plans. 
 
 To him the British General was trusting, and as with knit 
 brows and anxious face the grey-haired officer stood at the door 
 of his tent gazing across the burn to Blackford Hill, he was 
 wondering wliether he had yet obtained his coign of vantage. 
 From the case slung round his shoulder he drew his field 
 glasses and turned them upon a clump of trees near the top of 
 the hill, straining his eyes to discover any movement. 
 
 On the crest of the hill two Volunteer artillery batteries 
 were actively preparing for the coming fray, but as yet it was 
 too dark to discern anything among the distant clump of trees ; 
 so, replacing his glasses, the commanding officer re-entered his 
 tent and bent for a long time over the Ordnance Map under the 
 glimmering, uncertain light of a guttering candle. 
 
 INIeanwhile the Russians were busily completing their ar- 
 rangements for striking an appalling blow. 
 
 Concealed by a line of trees and a number of farm buildings, 
 the little section of the enemy had worked indefatigably for
 
 **The Demon of War" 249 
 
 the past two hours, and now in the grey dawn the contents 
 of the mysterious boxes, a long dark monster, lay upon the 
 grass, moving restlessly, trying to free itself from its trammels. 
 
 It was a huge and curiously-shaped air-ship, and was to be 
 used for dropping great charges of melinite and steel bombs 
 filled with picric acid into the handsome historic city of 
 Edinburgh ! Some of the shells were filled with sulphurous 
 acid, carbon dioxide, and other deadly compounds, the intent 
 being to cause suffocation over wide areas by the volatilisation 
 of liquid gases ! 
 
 This controllable electric balloon, a perfection of M. Gaston 
 Tissandier's invention a few years Ijefore, was, as it lay upon 
 the grass, nearly inflated and ready to ascend, elongated in 
 form, and filled with hydrogen. 
 
 It was about 140 feet long, 63 feet in diameter through the 
 middle, and the envelope was of fine cloth coated with an 
 impermeable varnish. On either side were horizontal shafts of 
 flexible walnut laths, fastened with silk belts along the centre, 
 and over the balloon a netting of ribbons was placed, and to 
 this the car was connected. On each of the four sides was a 
 screw propeller 12 feet in diameter, driven by bichromate of 
 potassium batteries and a dynamo-electric motor. The pro- 
 pellers were so arranged that the balloon could keep head to 
 a hurricane, and when proceeding with the wind would deviate 
 immediately from its course by the mere pulling of a lever by 
 the aeronaut. 
 
 Carefully packed in the car were large numbers of the most 
 powerful infernal machines, ingeniously designed to effect the 
 most awful destruction if hurled into a thickly -populated 
 centre. Piled in the smallest possible compass were square 
 steel boxes, some filled with melinite, dynamiite, and an 
 explosive strongly resembling cordite, only possessing twice its 
 strength, each with fulminating compounds, while others con- 
 tained picric acid fitted with glass detonating tubes. Indeed, 
 this gigantic engine, which might totally wreck a city 
 and kill every inhabitant in half an hour while at an 
 altitude of 6i miles, had rightly been named by the Pole
 
 250 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 who had perfected Tissandier's invention — " The Demon of 
 War." 
 
 While the two officers of the Eussian balloon section, both 
 experienced aeronauts, were finally examining minutely every 
 rope, ascertaining that all was ready for the ascent, away on 
 Blackford Hill one man, pale and determined, with coat and 
 vest thrown aside, was preparing a counterblast to the forth- 
 coming attack. Under cover of the clump of trees, but with 
 its muzzle pointing towards Bridgend, a long, thin gun of an 
 altogether strange type had been brought into position. It 
 was about four times the size of a Maxim, which it resembled 
 somewhat in shape, only the barrel was much longer, the store 
 of ammunition being contained in a large steel receptacle at 
 the side, wherein also was some marvellously - contrived 
 mechanism. The six gunners who were assisting Mackenzie 
 at length completed tlieir work, and the gun having been 
 carefully examined by the gallant man in charge and two 
 of the officers who had been in the tent with the General 
 during the midnight consultation, Mackenzie, with a glance 
 in the yet hazy distance where the enemy had bivouaced, 
 pulled over a small lever, which immediately started a 
 dynamo. 
 
 " In three minutes we shall be ready for action," he said, 
 glancing at his watch ; and then, turning a small wheel which 
 raised the muzzle of the gun so as to point it at a higher angle 
 in the direction of the sky, he waited until the space of time he 
 had mentioned had elapsed. 
 
 The officers stood aside conversing in an undertone. This 
 man Mackenzie had invented tliis strange-looking weapon, and 
 only one had been made. It had some months before been 
 submitted to the War Office, but they had declined to take it 
 up, believing that a patent they already possessed was superior 
 to it ; yet Mackenzie had nevertheless thrown his whole soul 
 into his work, and meant now to show his superiors its pene- 
 trative powers, and put its capabilities to practical test. Again 
 he glanced at his watch, and quickly pulled back another lever, 
 which caused the motor to revolve at twice the speed, and the
 
 "The Demon of War 
 
 2^r 
 
 gun to emit a low hissing sound, like escaping steam. Tiien 
 he stepped back to the officers, saying — 
 
 " I am now prepared. It will go up as straight and quickly 
 as a rocket, but we must catch it l)efore it ascends two miles, 
 for the clouds hang low, and we may lose it more quickly than 
 we imagine." 
 
 The gunners stood in readiness, and the two officers looked 
 away over Craigmillar towards the grey distant sea. Dawn 
 was spreading now, and the haze was gradually clearinf^. 
 They all knew the attempt would be made ere long, before it 
 grew much lighter, so they stood at their posts in readiness, 
 Mackenzie with his hand upon the lever which would regulate 
 the discharge. 
 
 They were moments of breathless expectancy. Minute after 
 minute went by, but not a word was spoken, for every eye was 
 turned upon the crest of a certain ridge nearly three miles 
 away, at a point where the country was well wooded. 
 
 A quarter of an hour liad thus elapsed, when Mackenzie 
 suddenly shouted, " Look, lads ! There she goes ! Now, let's 
 teach 'em what Scots can do." 
 
 As he spoke there rose from behhid the ridge a great dark 
 mass, looking almost spectral in the thin morning mist. For a 
 moment it seemed to poise and swing as if uncertain in its 
 flight, then quickly it shot straight up towards the sky. 
 
 " Eeady ? " shouted Mackenzie, his momentary excitement 
 having given place to great coolness. The men at their posts 
 all answered in the affirmative. Mackenzie bent and waited 
 for a few seconds sighting the gun, while the motor hummed 
 with terrific speed. Then shouting " Fire ! " he drew back 
 the lever. 
 
 The gun discharged, but there was no report, only a sharp 
 hiss as the compressed air released commenced to send charge 
 after charge of dynamite automatically away into space in 
 rapid succession ! 
 
 Xone dared to breathe. The excitement was intense. 
 They watched the effect upon the Paissian balloon, but to 
 their dismay saw it still rapidly ascending and unharmed !
 
 252 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 It had altered its course, and instead of drifting away 
 seaward was now travelling towards Duddingston, and making 
 straight for Edinburgh, passing above the Russian camp. 
 
 " Missed ! missed I " Mackenzie shrieked, turning back the 
 lever and arresting the discharge. " It's four miles off now, 
 and we can carry seven and three-quarters to hit a fixed 
 object. Remember, lads, the fate of Auld Eeekie is now in 
 your hands ! Eeady ? " 
 
 Again he bent and sighted the gun, raising the muzzle 
 higher than the balloon so as to catch it on the ascent. The 
 motor hummed louder and louder, the escaping air hissed and 
 turned into liquid by the enormous pressure, then with a 
 glance at the gauge he yelled " Fire ! " and pulled back the 
 lever. 
 
 Dynamite shells, ejected at the rate of 50 a minute, 
 rushed from the muzzle, and sped away. 
 
 But the Demon of War, with its whirling propellers, con- 
 tinued on its swift, silent mission of destruction. 
 
 " Missed again ! " cried one of the men, in despair. " See ! 
 it's gone ! We've — good heavens ! — why, we've lost it — lost it ! " 
 
 Mackenzie, who had been glancing that moment at the 
 gauges, gazed eagerly up, and staggered back as if he had 
 received a blow. " It's disappeared ! " he gasped. " They've 
 outiuitted us, the hrutes, and nothing now can save Edinburgh 
 from destruction ! " 
 
 Officers and men stood aghast, with blanched faces, 
 scarce knowing how to act. The destructive forces in that 
 controllable balloon were more than sufficient to lay the whole 
 of Edinburgh in ruins ; and then, no doubt, the enemy would 
 attempt by the same means to destroy the British batteries on 
 the neighbouring hills. Already, along the valleys fighting 
 had begun, for rapid firing could be heard in the direction of 
 Gilmerton, and now and then the British guns on the Braid 
 Hills behind spoke out sharply to the Bussians who had 
 occupied Loanhead, and the distant booming of cannon could 
 be heard incessantly from Corstorphine. 
 
 Suddenly a loud, exultant cry from Mackenzie caused his
 
 The Demon of War" 25, 
 
 companions to strain their eyes away to Duddingston, and 
 there they saw high in the air the monster aerial machine 
 gradually looming through the mist, a vague and shadowy 
 outline. It had passed through a bank of cloud, and was 
 gradually reappearing. 
 
 " Quick ! There's not a moment to lose ! " shrieked 
 Mackenzie, springing to the lever with redoubled enthusiasm, 
 an example followed by the others. 
 
 The motor revolved so rapidly that it roared, the gauges 
 ran high, the escaping air hissed so loudly that Mackenzie was 
 compelled to shout at the top of his voice " Ready ? " as for a 
 third time he took careful aim at the misty object now six 
 miles distant. 
 
 The War Demon was still over the Russian camp, and in 
 a few moments, travelling at that high rate of speed, it would 
 pass over Arthur's Seat, and be enabled to drop its deadly 
 compounds in Princes Street. But Mackenzie set his teeth, 
 and muttered something under his breath. 
 
 " Noic/" he ejaculated, as he suddenly pulled the lever, and 
 for the last time sent forth the automatic shower of destructive 
 shells. 
 
 A second later there was a bright flash from above as if the 
 sun itself had burst, and then came a most terrific explosion, 
 which caused the earth to tremble where they stood. The 
 clouds were rent asunder by the frightful detonation, and 
 down upon the Russian camp the debris of their ingenious 
 invention fell in a terrible death -dealing shower. The 
 annihilation of the dastardly plot to wreck the city was 
 complete. Small dynamite shells from Mackenzie's pneumatic 
 gun had struck the car of the balloon, and by the firing of 
 half a ton of explosives the enemy was in an instant hoist with 
 his own petard. 
 
 As the dcl)ris fell within the Russian lines, some fifty or 
 sixty picric-acid bombs — awful engines of destruction — which 
 had not been exploded in mid-air, crashed into the Muscovite 
 ranks, and, bursting, killed and wounded hundreds of iufantry- 
 nien and half a regiment of Cossacks. One, bursting in the
 
 254 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 enemy's headquarters, seriously injured several members 6f 
 the staff; while another, falling among the Engineers' trans- 
 port, exploded a great quantity of gun-cotton, which in its 
 turn killed a number of men and horses. 
 
 The disaster was awful in its suddenness, appalling in its 
 completeness. The aeronauts, totally unprepared for such an 
 attack, had been blown to atoms just when within an ace of 
 success. 
 
 Fortune had favoured Britain, and, thanks to Mackenzie's 
 vigilance and his pneumatic dynamite gun, which the Govern- 
 ment had rejected as a worthless weapon, the grey old city of 
 Edinburgh was still safe. 
 
 But both Eussians and Britons had now mustered their 
 forces, and this, the first note sounded of a second terrific and 
 desperately -fought battle, portended success for Britain's 
 gallant army. 
 
 Yet notwithstanding the disaster the enemy sustained 
 by the blowing up of their balloon, their 2nd Army 
 Corps, together with the portion of the 3rd Army Corps 
 operating from their base at Leith, succeeded, after terribly 
 hard fighting and heavy losses, in at length forcing back the 
 defenders from the Braid and Blackford Hills, and the Corstor- 
 phine position having already been occupied, they were then 
 enabled to invest Edinburgh. That evening fierce sanguinary 
 fights took place in the streets, for the people held the barri- 
 cades until the last moment, and the batteries on Calton Hill, 
 in St. Andrew's Square, and at the Castle effected terrible 
 execution in conjunction with those on Arthur's Seat. Still 
 the enemy by their overwhelming numbers gradually broke 
 down these defences, and, after appalling slaughter on both 
 sides, occupied the city. The fighting was fiercest along 
 Princes Street, Lothian Eoad, and in the neighbourhood of 
 Scotland Street Station, while along Cumberland and Great 
 King Streets the enemy were swept away in hundreds by 
 British Maxims brought to bear from Drummond Place. 
 Along Canongate from Holyrood to Moray House, and in 
 Lauriston Place and the Grassmarket, hand-to-hand struggles
 
 'IX EDINmT>f;iI THE FIOHTIXG WA.S yiERCEST ALONG TKIXCES STP.EET.
 
 "The Demon of War" 255 
 
 took place between the patriotic civilians and the foe. From 
 behind their barricades men of Edinburgh fought valiantly, 
 and everywhere inflicted heavy loss ; still the enemy, pressing 
 onward, set fire to a number of public buildings, including the 
 Register Office, the Royal Exchange, the University, the Liberal 
 and Now Clubs, and Palace Hotel, with many other buildings 
 in Princes Street. The fires, which broke nut rapidly in suc- 
 cession, were caused for the purpose of producing a panic, and 
 in this the enemy were successful, for the city was quickly 
 looted, and the scenes of ruin, death, and desolation that 
 occurred in its streets that night were awful. 
 
 In every cpiarter the homes of loyal Scotsmen were entered 
 by the ruthless invader, who wrecked the cherished house- 
 hold gods, and carried away all the valuables that were 
 portable. Outrage and murder were rife everywhere, and 
 no quarter was shown the weak or unprotected. Through 
 the streets the invader rushed with sword and firebrand, 
 causing destruction, suffering, and death. 
 
 The defenders, though straining every nerve to stem the 
 advancing tide, had, alas ! been unsuccessful, and ere mid- 
 night Edinburgh, one of the proudest and most historic cities 
 in the world, had fallen, and the British standard floating 
 over the Castle was, alas ! replaced by the Eagle of the Prussian 
 Autocrat.
 
 CHAPTEE XXXII. 
 
 FRIGHTFUL SLAUGHTER OUTSIDE GLASGOW. 
 
 '' T was a sad misfortune, a national calamity ; yet 
 our troops did not lose heart. Commanded as 
 they were by Britons, astute, loyal, and fear- 
 less, they, after fighting hard, fell back from 
 Edinburgh in order, and husbanded their force 
 for the morrow. 
 Indeed, soon after dawn the Russians found themselves 
 severely attacked. Exultant over their success, they had, 
 while sacking Edinburgh, left their base at Leith very inade- 
 quately protected, with the result that the defenders, swooping 
 suddenly down upon the town, succeeded, with the assist- 
 ance of four coast-defence ships and a number of torpedo boats, 
 in blowing up most of the Eussian transports, and seizing their 
 ammunition and provisions. 
 
 Such an attack was, of course, very vigorously defended, 
 but it was a smart manoeuvre on the part of the British 
 General, and enabled him, after cutting off the enemy's line 
 of retreat, to turn suddenly and attack the Eussians who 
 were continuing their destructive campaign through the 
 streets of Edinburgh. This bold move on the part of the 
 defenders was totally unexpected by the foe, which accounted 
 for the frightful loss of life that was sustained on the Eussian 
 side, and the subsequent clever tactics which resulted in the 
 driving out of the invaders from Edinburgh, and British troops 
 reoccupying that city.
 
 Frightful Slaughter outside Glasgow 257 
 
 Meanwhile the 1st Kussian Army Corps, which on landing 
 had at once set out towards Glasgow, had inarched on in a 
 great extended line, sacking the various towns through which 
 they passed. As they advanced from Linlithgow, Airdrie, and 
 
 MAP OF THE BATTLEFIELD OUTSIDE GLASGOW. 
 
 Coatbridge were looted and hurned, while further south, 
 Motherwell, Hamilton, and Bothwell shared the same fate. 
 About 20,000 men, together with 11,000 who had been forced 
 to evacute Edinburgh, had at length advanced a little beyond 
 18
 
 258 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Coatbridge, and, in preparation for a vigorous siege of Glasgow, 
 halted witliin seven miles of the city, with flanks extended 
 away south to Motherwell and on to Wishaw, and north as far 
 as Chryston and Kirkintilloch, 
 
 In Glasgow the excitement was intense, and surging crowds 
 filled the streets night and day. The fall of Edinburgh had 
 produced the greatest sensation, and the meagre news of the 
 disaster telegraphed had scarcely been supplemented when the 
 report of the retaking of " Auld Eeekie " came to hand, causing 
 great rejoicing. Nevertheless, it was known that over thirty 
 thousand trained soldiers were on their way to the banks of the 
 Clyde, and Glasgow was fevered and turbulent. The scanty 
 business that had lately been done was now at a standstill, 
 and the meagre supplies that reached there from America not 
 being half sufficient for the enormous population, the city was 
 already starving. But, as in other towns, great barricades had 
 been thrown up, and those in Gallowgate and Duke Street, 
 thoroughfares by which Glasgow might be entered by way of 
 Parkhead and Dennistoun, were soon manned by loyal and 
 patriotic bands of civilians. Other barriers were constructed at 
 St. Eollox Station, in Canning Street, in Monteith Eow, and in 
 Great Western, Dumbarton, and Govan Eoads. 
 
 South of the river, Eglinton Street and the roads at Cross- 
 hill were barricaded, and in New City and Garscube Eoads in 
 the north there were also strong defences. All were held by 
 enthusiastic bodies of men who had hastily armed themselves, 
 confident in the belief that our Volunteers and the small body 
 of Eegulars would not allow the invader to march in force 
 upon their city without a most determined resistance. 
 
 Now, however, the alarming news reached Glasgow that 
 the enemy had actually sacked and burned Coatbridge. In 
 an hour they could commence looting the shops in Gallowgate, 
 and their heavy tramp would be heard on the granite of Tron- 
 gate and Argyle Street ! Throughout the city the feeling of 
 insecurity increased, and hourly the panic assumed greater 
 proportions. 
 
 The sun that day was obscured by dark thunder-clouds, the
 
 Frightful Slaughter outside Glasgow 259 
 
 swirling Clyde flowed on black beneath its many bridges, and 
 the outlook was everywhere gloomy and ominous. 
 
 Still, away on the hills to southward, our small force of 
 soldiers and Volunteers had narrowly watched the onward 
 tide of destroyers, and carefully laid their plans. The manner 
 in which the defensive operations were conducted is perhaps 
 best related in a letter written by Captain Boyd Drummond of 
 the 1st Battalion Princess Louise's (Argyll and Sutherland) 
 Highlanders, to a friend in London, and which was published 
 with the accompanying sketch in the Daily Graphic. 
 
 He wrote as follows: — "On the second day after the 
 Eussians had landed, Colonel Cumberland of ' Ours ' received 
 orders to move us from Lanark, and reconnoitre as far as 
 possible along the Carluke road, with a view to taking up 
 a position to cover the advance of the division, which had 
 during the morning been considerably reinforced by nearly 
 half the centre division from Peebles. In addition to our 
 battalion with two machine guns, Colonel Cumberland was in 
 command of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer Battalions 
 from Greenock, Paisley, Pollokshaws, and Stirling respect- 
 ively, the 1st Dumbarton from Helensburgh, the Highland 
 Borderers, and the Picnfrew Militia, together with a section 
 of field artillery, a field company of Eoyal Engineers, and 
 about forty cavalry and cyclists. Arriving at Carluke early 
 in the afternoon, we awaited the return of scouts, who had 
 been pushed on in advance to beyond Wishaw, in the direction 
 of the enemy. They having reported that the Eussians had 
 withdrawn from Wishaw, we at once moved on to Law 
 Junction, about a mile from that town, and finally took up a 
 position for the night near Waterloo, commanding Wishaw and 
 Overtown. 
 
 "Beyond the junction, towards Glasgow, the railway, 
 which the enemy evidently did not intend to use, had been 
 destroyed, but scouts from Morningside reported that the line 
 to Edinburgh had not been cut, and that the permanent way 
 remained uninjured. Colonel Cumberland therefore told off 
 the right half battalion, with a machine gun, a section of
 
 26o The Great War in England in 1S97 
 
 Engineers, and six cyclists, to take up a position near the road 
 between Newmaius and Morningside, with instructions to form 
 piquets and patrol the roads north and east. I was with No. 1 
 Company, but, being senior captain present, the chief gave me 
 command of this detachment. It was the first time such a 
 responsibility had been conferred upon me; therefore I was 
 determined not to be caught napping. 
 
 ' As soon as we arrived at our ground, I sent two cyclists 
 out to Newmains and two to Morningside, with orders to glean 
 what information they could, and to wait in the villages until 
 further orders, unless they sighted the enemy's outposts, or 
 discovered anything important. As soon as I had sent out 
 my piquets, I took my own company and six of the Engineers 
 down to Morningside. Some of the villagers, who had escaped 
 when a portion of the invaders passed through on the 
 previous night, had returned, and the cyclists gathered from 
 them that we were close upon the heels of the Eussian 
 rearguard. 
 
 " As the railway had not been destroyed, I thought that 
 possibly the invaders intended to use the line vid Mid-Calder, 
 and therefore examined the station closely. While engaged 
 in this, one of the Engineers suddenly discovered a wire very 
 carefully concealed along the line, and as we followed it up 
 500 yards each way, and could find no connection with the 
 instrument at the station office, I at once concluded that it was 
 the enemy's field telegraph, forming means of communication 
 between their headquarters at Airdrie and the division that 
 still remained in the Pentlands. 
 
 " Cutting the wire, and attaching the ends to the instru- 
 ment in the station, I left three Engineers, all expert tele- 
 graphists, to tap the wire, and they, with the right half 
 company, under Lieutenant Compton, formed a detached post 
 at this point. I also left the cyclists to convey to me any 
 messages which might be received on the instrument, and then 
 proceeded to Newmains. The place was now a mere heap of 
 smouldering ruins; but, as at Morningside, some of the terrified 
 villagers had returned, and they stated that early in the
 
 Frightful Slaughter ouTsn:)E Glasgow 261 
 
 morning they had seen small detachments of Eussian cavalry 
 pass through from Bankle, and proceed north along the Cleland 
 road. 
 
 " Leaving the left half company here witli the other 
 Engineers and the two cycHsts, under Lieutenant Planck, witli 
 orders to block tlie road and railway bridge, I returned to my 
 piquet line. A few minutes later, however, a cyclist rode up 
 with a copy of a message which had been sent from the 
 Eussian headquarters on the Pentlands to the Glasgow invest- 
 ing force. The message was in cipher, but, thanks to the 
 information furnished by the spy who was captured near 
 Manchester, we were now aware of some of the codes used 
 by the invaders, and I sent the messenger on to the Colonel 
 at once. One of his staff was able to transcribe it sufficiently 
 to show that some disaster had occurred to the enemy on the 
 Pentlands, for it concluded with an order withdrawing the 
 troops from Glasgow, in order to reinforce the 3rd Army 
 Corps in the fierce battle that was now proceeding. It was 
 also stated in the message that despatches followed, so at once 
 we were all on the alert. 
 
 " Almost immediately afterwards news was received over 
 our own telegraph from Carstairs, stating that a terrific 
 battle had been fought along the valleys between Leadburn, 
 Linton, and Dolphinton, in which we had suffered very 
 severely, but we had nevertheless gained a decisive victory, 
 for from dawn until the time of telegraphing it was estimated 
 that no fewer than 12,000 Eussians had been killed or 
 wounded. 
 
 " It appeared that our forces on the Lammermuirs had 
 moved quickly, and, extending along the ridges, through 
 Tynehead, and thence to Heriot, and on to Peebles, joined 
 hands with the division at that place before dawn, and, when 
 it grew light, had made a sudden and desperate attack. The 
 enemy, who had imagined himself in a safe position, was 
 unprepared, and from the first moment of the attack the 
 slaughter was awful. As noon wore on the battle had 
 increased, until now the invaders had been outflanked, and
 
 262 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 mowed dowu in such a frightful maimer, that the survivors, 
 numbering nearly six thousand of all ranks, had, finding their 
 urgent appeal to their forces at Airdrie met with no response, 
 and imagining that they too had been defeated, at last sur- 
 rendered, and were taken prisoners. 
 
 " On receipt of this intelligence. Colonel Cumberland 
 executed a manoeuvre that was a marvel of forethought and 
 smartness. The appeal to Airdrie for help had, of course, not 
 been received, but in its place he ordered a message in Eussian 
 to be sent along the enemy's field telegraph to the force 
 advancing on Glasgow in the following words : ' Eemain at 
 Airdrie. Do not advance on Glasgow before we join you. 
 The defenders are defeated with heavy losses everywhere. 
 Our advance guard will be with you in twenty-four hours. 
 Signed — Drukovitch.' 
 
 "This having been despatched, he reported by telegraph 
 to the headquarters at Carstairs what he had done, and then 
 our whole force immediately moved as far as Bellshill, in the 
 direction of Glasgow. Here we came across the Eussian out- 
 posts, and a sharp fight ensued. After half an hour, however, 
 we succeeded in cutting them off and totally annihilating 
 them, afterwards establishing ourselves in Bellshill until 
 reinforcements could arrive. We were now only six miles 
 from the Eussian headquarters at Airdrie, and they, on 
 receipt of our fictitious message, had withdrawn from the 
 Clyde bank, and extended farther north over the hills as far 
 as Milngavie. 
 
 "We were thus enabled to watch and wait in Bellshill 
 undisturbed throughout the night; and while the enemy were 
 eagerly expecting their legions of infantry who were to swoop 
 down and conquer Glasgow, we remained content in the know- 
 ledge that the hour of conquest was close at hand. 
 
 " A short, hasty rest, and we were astir again long before 
 the dawn. Just at daybreak, however, the advance guard of 
 our force from Carstairs, which had been on the march during 
 the night, came into touch with us, and in an hour the combined 
 right and centre divisions of the British had opened the battle.
 
 Frightful Slaughter outside Glasgow 26 
 
 o 
 
 " Our fighting front extended from Wishaw riglit across to 
 Condorrat, with batteries on Torrance and the hill at New 
 Monkland, while another strong line was pushed across fiom 
 Cambuslang to Parkhead, and thence to Millerston, for the 
 protection of Glasgow. 
 
 "Tims, almost before our guns uttered their voice of 
 defiance, we had surrounded the enemy, and throughout the 
 morning the fighting was most sanguinary and desperate. 
 Our batteries did excellent service; still, it must be remem- 
 bered we had attacked a well-trained force of over thirty 
 thousand men, and they had many more guns than we 
 possessed. No doubt the fictitious despatch we had sent had 
 prevented the Eussian commander from advancing on Glasgow 
 during the night, as he had intended ; and now, finding him- 
 self so vigorously attacked by two divisions which he believed 
 had been cut up and annihilated, all his calculations were 
 completely upset. 
 
 " It was well for us that this was so, otherwise we might 
 have fared much worse than we did. As it was, Cossacks and 
 Dragoons wrought frightful havoc among our infantry ; while, 
 on the other hand, the fire discipline of the latter was magni- 
 ficent. Every bit of cover on the hills seem to bristle with 
 hidden rifles, that emptied their magazines without smoke 
 and with fatal effect. Many a gallant dash was made by 
 our men, the Volunteers especially displaying conspicuous 
 courage. The 1st Dumbartonshire Volunteers, under Col. 
 Thomson, V.D., the 1st Renfrewshire, under Col. Lamont, 
 V.D., and the 4th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland High- 
 landers, under Col. D. M'Fayden, V.D., operated together with 
 magnificent success, for they completely cut up a strong 
 Russian detachment on the Glasgow road beyond Udding- 
 ston, driving them out of the wood near Daldowie, and 
 there annihilating them, and afterwards holding their own 
 on the banks of the North Calder without suffering very 
 much loss. They handled their Maxims as smartly as 
 any body of Regulars ; and indeed, throughout the day their 
 performances everywhere were marked by steady discipline
 
 264 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 and cool courage that was in the highest degree com- 
 mendable. 
 
 " About two o'clock in the afternoon the battle was at its 
 height. Under the blazing sun that beat down upon us merci- 
 lessly, my battalion fouglit on, feeling confident that the enemy 
 were gradually being defeated. The slaughter everywhere was 
 frightful, and the green hillsides and fields were covered with 
 dead and dying soldiers of the Tsar. The grey coats were 
 soaked with blood, and dark, ugly stains dyed the grass of the 
 fertile meadows beside the winding Clyde. Since their sudden 
 landing in Scotland, the enemy's early successes had been 
 followed by defeat after defeat. Their transports had been 
 destroyed, their ammunition and stores seized, both their 
 2nd and 3rd Army Corps had been totally annihilated, 
 leaving nearly twelve thousand men in our hands as prisoners, 
 and now the defeat of this force of picked regiments, who had, 
 on landing, immediately marched straight across Scotland, 
 would effect a crushing and decisive blow. 
 
 " But the struggle was terrific, the din deafening, the 
 wholesale butchery appalling. Our men knew they were 
 fighting for Caledonia and their Queen, and their conduct, from 
 the first moment of hostilities, until stray bullets laid them low 
 one after another, was magnificent; they were splendid 
 examples of the true, loyal, and fearless Briton, who will fight 
 on even while his life-blood ebbs. 
 
 "Evening fell, but the continuous firing did not cease. 
 The sun sank red and angry into dark storm-clouds behind the 
 long range of purple hills beyond the Clyde, but the clash of 
 arms continued over hill and dale on the east of Glasgow, and 
 we, exerting every effort in our successful attempt to hold the 
 five converging roads near Broomhouse, knew not which side 
 were victors. 
 
 " Suddenly I received orders to send over a small detach- 
 ment to block the two roads at Baillieston, the one a main 
 road leading up from Coatbridge, and the other from the hilly 
 country around Old Monkland, where the struggle was fiercest. 
 Sending Lieutenant Planck over immediately with a detachment
 
 Frightful Slaughter outside Glasgow 265 
 
 and several cyclists, I followed as soon as possible, and found 
 he had blocked both roads in the centre of the little Scotch 
 village, and had occupied the inn situated between the two 
 roads, leaving just sufficient space for his cyclists to pass. 
 Looking towards the city we could see that the hills on our 
 left were occupied by British redcoats. In the village the 
 quaint little low-built cottages, with their stairs outside, were 
 all closed and deserted, and the place seemed strangely quiet 
 after the exciting scenes and ceaseless deafening din. 
 
 "Taking six of Planck's men and the cyclists about a mile 
 towards Coatbridge, I posted them at the cross-roads beyond 
 Ehind House, sending the cyclists out along the valley to 
 Dikehead. All was quiet in our immediate vicinity for some 
 time, until suddenly we discerned the cyclists coming back. 
 They reported that they had seen cavalry. This, then, must be 
 a detachment of the enemy, who in all probability were 
 retreating. I at once sent the cyclists back to inform Planck, 
 and to tell him we should not take a hand in the game until 
 we had allowed them to pass and they had discovered his 
 barricade. In a few minutes we could distinctly hear them 
 approaching. We were all well under cover, but I was sur- 
 prised to find that it was only an escort. 
 
 " They were galloping, and had evidently come a long 
 distance by some circuitous route, and had not taken part in 
 the fighting. I counted five — two Cossacks in advance, then 
 about forty yards behind a shabbily-dressed civilian on horseback, 
 and about forty yards behind him two more Cossacks. They 
 appeared to expect no interruption, and it occurred to me that 
 the Cossacks were escorting the civilian over to the Russian 
 position away beyond Hoggan field Loch. As soon as they 
 were clear, I formed my men up on each side of the road to 
 await events. 
 
 " We had no occasion to remain long in expectation, for 
 soon afterwards the stillness was broken by shouts and a few 
 rapid shots, and then we could hear two horses galloping back 
 One was riderless, and a corporal who attempted to stop it was 
 knocked down and seriously injured; but the other had a rider.
 
 266 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 and as he neared us I could see he was the civilian. I knew I 
 must stop him at all costs. 
 
 " So, ordering the men on the opposite side of the road to 
 lie down, we gave him a section volley from one side as he 
 rushed past. The horse was badly hit, and stumbled, throwing 
 its rider, who was at once secured. To prevent him from 
 disposing of anything, we bound him securely. Two of the 
 Cossacks had been shot and the other two captured. Upon 
 the civilian, and in his saddle-bags, we found a number of 
 cipher despatches, elaborate plans showing how Glasgow was 
 defended, and an autograph letter from the Eussian General 
 Drukovitch, giving him instructions to enter Glasgow alone by 
 way of Partick, and to await him there until the city fell 
 
 " But the city was never invested. An hour after we had 
 sent this mysterious civilian — who spoke English with a foreign 
 accent — over to the Colonel, our onslaught became doubly 
 desperate. In the dusk, regiment after regiment of Eussians 
 were simply swept away by the cool and deliberate fire of the 
 British, who, being reinforced by my battaUon and others, 
 wrought splendid execution in the enemy's main body, forced 
 back upon us at Baillieston. 
 
 "Then, as night fell, a report was spread that General 
 Drukovitch had surrendered. This proved true. With his 
 2nd and 3rd Army Corps annihilated, and his transports 
 and base in our hands, he was compelled to acknowledge him- 
 self vanquished ; therefore, by nine o'clock hostilities had 
 ceased, and during that night nearly six thousand survivors of 
 the 1st Eussian Army Corps were taken prisoners, and 
 marched in triumph into Glasgow amid the wildest excitement 
 of the populace. This desperate attempt to invest Glasgow 
 had cost the Eussians no fewer than 25,000 men in killed and 
 wounded. 
 
 " The capture we effected near Baillieston turned out to be 
 of a most important character. When searched at headquarters, 
 a visiting-card was found concealed upon the man, and this 
 gave our Colonel a clue. The man has since been identified by 
 one of his intimate friends as a person well known in London
 
 Frightful Slaughter outside Glasgow 267 
 
 society, who poses as a wealthy German, the Count von 
 Beilstein ! It is alleged that he has for several years been 
 living in the metropolis and acting as an expert spy in the 
 Secret Service of the Tsar. He was sent handcuffed, under a 
 strong escort, to London a few days after the battle, and if all 
 I hear be true, some highly sensational disclosures will be made 
 regarding his adventurous career. 
 
 "But throughout Caledonia there is now unbounded joy. 
 Our beloved country is safe ; for, thanks to the gallant heroism 
 of our Volunteers, the Muscovite invaders have been completely 
 wiped out, and Scotland again proudly rears her head."
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 MARCH OF THE FRENCH ON LONDON. 
 
 OUTH of the Thames, where the gigantic force 
 of French and Russians, numbering nearly 
 two hundred thousand of all arms, had been 
 prevented from attacking London by our 
 Volunteers and Regulars massed along the 
 Surrey Hills, the slaughter on both sides had 
 been frightful. The struggle was indeed not for a dynasty, but 
 for the very existence of Britain as an independent nation. 
 
 Sussex had been devastated, but Kent still held out, and 
 Chatham remained in the possession of the defenders. 
 
 The rout of the British at Horsham prior to the march of 
 the left column of invaders to Birmingham was succeeded by 
 defeat after defeat, the engagements each day illustrating pain- 
 fully that by force of overwhelming numbers the invaders 
 were gradually nearing their goal — the mighty Capital of our 
 Empire. 
 
 Gallant stands were made by our Regulars at East Grin- 
 stead, Crawley, Alfold, and from Haslemere across Hind 
 Head Common to Erensham. At each of these places, long, 
 desperately-fought battles with the French had taken place 
 through the hot September days, — our Regular forces contident 
 in the stubborn resistance that would be offered by the long 
 unbroken line of Volunteers occupying the range of hills 
 behind. Our signallers had formed a long line of stations 
 from Reculvers and Star Hill, south of the Medway Fortress, 
 
 268
 
 March of the French on London 269 
 
 to Blue Bell Hill, between Chatliam and Maidstone, thence 
 through Snodland, Wrotham, Westerham, and Limpsfield to 
 Cateiham, and from there on through Eeigate Park, Boxhill, 
 St. Martha's, and over the Hog's Back to Aldershot. With 
 flags in day and lamps by night messages constantly passed, 
 and communication was thus maintained by this means as 
 well as by the field telegraph, which, however, on several 
 occasions had been cut by the enemy. 
 
 Yet although our soldiers fought day after day with that 
 pluck characteristic of the true Briton, fortune nevertheless 
 seemed to have forsaken us, and even although we inflicted 
 frightful losses upon the French all round, still they gradually 
 forced back the defenders over the Surrey border. Terror, 
 ruin, and death had been spread by the invading Gauls. 
 English homes were sacked, French soldiers bivouaced in 
 Sussex pastures, and the ripening corn was trodden down 
 and stained with blood. The white dusty highways leading 
 from London to the sea were piled with unheeded corpses 
 that were fearful to gaze upon, yet Britannia toiled on 
 undaunted in this desperate struggle for the retention of 
 her Empire. 
 
 Afier our defeat at Horsham, the Piussians had con- 
 tented themselves by merely driving back the defenders to a 
 line of resistance from Aldershot to the north of Bagshot, 
 and then they had marched onward to Birmingham. From 
 Horsham, however, two columns of the invaders, mostly French, 
 and numbering over twenty thousand each, had advanced on 
 Guildford and Dorking. At the same time, a strong demon- 
 stration was made by the enemy in the country "north of 
 Eastbourne and Hailsham, by which the whole of the district 
 in the triangle from Bexhill to Heathfield, and thence to 
 Cuckfield and Steyning, fell into their hands. The British, 
 however, had massed a strong force to prevent the enemy 
 making their way into West Kent, and still held their own 
 along the hills stretching from Crowborough to Ticehurst, 
 and from Etchingham, through Biightling and Ashburnham^ 
 down to Battle and Hastings.
 
 270 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 The north of London had during the weeks of hostilities 
 been strongly guarded by Volunteers and Eegulars, for in- 
 formation of a contemplated landing in Essex had been 
 received; and although the defenders had not yet fired a 
 shot, they were eagerly looking forward to a chance of 
 proving their worth, as their comrades in other parts of 
 England had already done. 
 
 At first the tactics of the invaders could not be under- 
 stood, for it had been concluded that they would naturally 
 follow up their successes on landing with a rapid advance on 
 London. 
 
 It was, of course, evident that the vigorous demonstrations 
 made in the North and other parts of Britain were intended 
 with a view to drawing as many troops as possible from the 
 defence of London, and dispose of them in detail before sur- 
 rounding the capital. Yet, to the dismay of the enemy, no 
 blow they delivered in other parts of our country had had the 
 desired effect of weakening the defensive lines around London. 
 At the opening of the campaign it had been the enemy's 
 intention to reduce London by a blockade, which could perhaps 
 have been successfully carried out had they landed a strong 
 force in Essex. The troops who were intended to land there 
 were, however, sent to Scotland instead, and the fact that they 
 had been annihilated outside Glasgow resulted in a decision to 
 march at once upon the metropolis. 
 
 Advancing from Horsham, the French right column, num- 
 bering 20,000 men with about 70 guns, had, after desperate 
 fifrhting, at last reached Leatherhead, having left a battalion 
 in support at Dorking. The British had resolutely contested 
 every step the French had advanced, and the slaughter around 
 Dorking had been awful, while the fighting across Fetcham 
 Downs and around Ockley and Bear Green had resulted in 
 frightful loss on both sides. 
 
 Our Regulars and Volunteers, notwithstanding their gal- 
 lantry, were, alas ! gradually driven back by the enormous 
 numbers that had commenced the onslaught, and were at last 
 thrown back westward in disorder, halting at Eipley. Here
 
 March of the French on London 271 
 
 the survivors snatched a hasty rest, and they were during the 
 night reinforced by a contingent of Eegulars who had come 
 over from Windsor and Hounslow. On the arrival of these 
 reinforcements, the Colonel, well knowing how serious was the 
 situation now our first line of defence had been broken, sent 
 out a flying column from Eipley, while the main body marched 
 to Great Bookham, with the result that Leatherhead, now in 
 the occupation of the French, was from both sides vigorously 
 attacked. The British flying column threatening the enemy 
 from the north was, however, quickly checked by the French 
 guns, and in the transmission of an order a most serious 
 blunder occurred, leading to the impossibility of a retreat 
 upon Eipley, for unfortunately the order, wrongly given, 
 resulted in the blowing up by mistake of the bridges over 
 the river Mole by which they had crossed, and which they 
 wanted to use again. 
 
 Thus it was that for a time this force was compelled to 
 remain, at terrible cost, right under the fire of the French 
 entrenched position at Leatherhead ; but the enemy were 
 fortunately not strong enough to follow up this advantage, 
 and as they occupied a strong strategical position they were 
 content to await the arrival of their huge main body, now on 
 the move, and which they expected would reach Leatherhead 
 during that night. After more fierce fighting, lasting one 
 whole breathless day, the defenders were annihilated, while 
 their main body approaching from the south also fell into a 
 trap. For several hours a fierce battle also raged between 
 Dorking and Mickleham. The British battery on Box Hill 
 wrought awful havoc in the French lines, yet gradually the 
 enemy silenced our guns and cut up our forces. 
 
 The invaders were now advancing in open order over the 
 whole of Sussex and the west of Kent, and on the same day 
 as the battle was fought at Leatherhead, the high ground south 
 of Sevenoaks, extending from Wimlet Hill to Chart Common, 
 fell into their hands, the British suffering severely ; while 
 two of our Volunteer batteries in the vicinity were surprised 
 and seized by a French flying column. 
 
 19
 
 272 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 In the meantime, another French column, numbering 
 nearly twenty thousand infantry and cavalry, had advanced 
 from Alfold, burning Ewhurst and Cranley, and after a 
 des})erately-contested engagement they captured the British 
 batteries on the liills at Hascombe and Hambledon. 
 
 On the same day the French advance guard, though sufifer- 
 ing terrible loss, successfully attacked the battery of Regulars 
 on the hill at Wonersh, and Godalming having been invested, 
 they commenced another vigorous attack upon the strong line 
 of British Regulars and Volunteers at Guildford, where about 
 fourteen thousand men were massed. 
 
 On the hills from Gomshall to Scale our brave civiKan 
 defenders had remained throughout the hostilities ready to 
 repel any attack. Indeed, as the days passed, and no 
 demonstration had been made in their direction, they had 
 grown impatient, until at length this sudden and ferocious 
 onslaught had been made, and they found themselves face to 
 face with an advancing army of almost thrice their strength. 
 Among the Volunteer battalions holding the position were the 
 1st Bucks, under Lord Addington, V.D. ; the 2nd Oxfordshire 
 Light Infantry, under Col. H. S. Hall ; the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd 
 Bedfordshire Regiment, under Col. A. M. Blake, Lieut.-Col. 
 Rumball, and Col. J. T. Green, V.D.; the 1st Royal Berkshire, 
 under Col. J. C. Carter ; the 1st Somersetshire Light Infantry, 
 under Col. H. M. Skrine, V.D. ; and the 1st and 2nd Wiltshire, 
 under the Earl of Pembroke, V.D., and Col. E. B. Llerriman, 
 V.D. Strong batteries had been established between Guildford 
 and Scale by the 1st Fifeshire Artillery, under Col. J. W. 
 Johnston, V.D., and the Highland Artillery, under Col. W. 
 Eraser, V.D.; while batteries on the left were held by the 
 1st Midlothian, under Col. Kinnear, V.D. ; the 1st East Riding, 
 under Col. R. G. Smith, V.D.; and the 1st West Riding, 
 under Col. T. W. Harding, V.D. 
 
 Commencing before dawn, the battle was fierce and 
 sanguinary almost from the time the first shots were ex- 
 changed. The eight 60-pounder guns in the new fort at 
 the top of Pewley Hill, manned by the Royal Artillery,
 
 2 74 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 commanded the valleys lying away to the south, and effected 
 splendid defensive work. 
 
 Indeed, it was this redoubt, with three new ones between 
 Guildford and Gomshall,and another on the Hog's Back, which 
 held the enemy in check for a considerable time; and had there 
 been a larger number of a similar strength, it is doubtful 
 whether the French would ever have accomplished their design 
 upon Guildford. 
 
 The Pewley Fort, built in the solid chalk, and surrounded 
 by a wide ditch, kept up a continuous fire upon the dense 
 masses of the enemy, and swept away hundreds of unfortunate 
 fellows as they rushed madly onward; while the Volunteer 
 batteries and the Maxims of the infantry battalions poured 
 upon the invaders a devastating hail of lead. 
 
 From Farnham, the line through Odiham and Aldershot 
 was held by a force increasing hourly in strength ; therefore 
 the enemy were unable to get over to Farnborough to outflank 
 the defenders. Through that brilliant, sunny September day 
 the slaughter was terrible in every part of the enemy's column, 
 and it was about noon believed that they would find their 
 positions at Wonersh and Godalming untenable. 
 
 Nevertheless, with a dogged persistency unusual to our 
 Gallic neighbours, they continued to fight with unquelled 
 vigour. The 2nd Oxfordshire Light Infantry and the 1st and 
 2nd Wiltshire, holding very important ground over against 
 Puttenham, bore their part with magnificent courage, but were 
 at length cut up in a most horrible manner; while the 1st 
 Bedfordshire, who, with a body of Eegulars valiantly held the 
 road running over the hills from Gomshall to Merrow, fought 
 splendidly ; but they too were, alas ! subsequently annihilated. 
 
 Over hill and dale, stretching away to the Sussex border, 
 the rattle and din of war sounded incessantly, and as hour 
 after hour passed, hundreds of Britons and Frenchmen dyed 
 the brown, sun-baked grass with their blood. The struggle 
 was frightful. Volunteer battalions who had manoeuvred over 
 that ground at many an Eastertide had little dreamed that they 
 would have one day to raise their rifles in earnest for the
 
 March of the French on London 275 
 
 defence of their home and Queen, Yet the practice they had 
 had now served thcin well, for in one instance the 1st Berk- 
 shire succeeded by a very smart manceuvre in totally sweeping 
 away several troops of Cuirassiers, while a quarter of an hour 
 later half an infantry battalion of Eegulars attacked a large 
 force of Zouaves on the Compton Eoad, and fought them 
 successfully almost hand to hand. 
 
 Through the long, toilsome day the battle continued with 
 unabated I'ury, and as the sun went down there was no cessa- 
 tion of hostilities. A force of our Ecgulars, extending from 
 Farnham over Hind Head Common, fell suddenly upon a large 
 body of French infantry, and, outflanking them, managed — 
 after a most frightful encounter, in which they lost nearly half 
 their men — to totally annihilate them. 
 
 In connection with this incident, a squadron of the 5th 
 Dragoon Guards made a magnificent charge up a steep hill 
 literally to the muzzles of the guns of a French battery, and 
 by their magnificent pluck captured it. Still, notwithstanding 
 the bravery of our defenders, and their fierce determination to 
 sweep away their foe, it seemed when the sun finally dis- 
 appeared that the fortunes of war were once more against us, 
 for the French had now received huge reinforcements, and 
 Dorking and Leatherhead having already passed into their 
 hands two days previously, they were enabled to make their 
 final assault a most savage and terrific one. 
 
 It was frightful ; it crushed us ! In the falling gloom our 
 men fought desperately for their lives, but, alas ! one after 
 another our positions were carried by the invaders literally at 
 the point of the bayonet, and ere the moon rose Guildford had 
 fallen into the enemy's hands, and our depleted battalions had 
 been compelled to retire in disorder east to Effingham and west 
 to Farnham. Those who went to Effingham joined at midnight 
 the column who had made an imsuccessful effort to recover 
 Leatherhead, and then bivouaced in Okllands Copse. The 
 number of wounded in the battles of Guildford and Leather- 
 head was enormous. At INIickleham the British hospital flag 
 floated over St. Michael's Church, the Priory at Cherkley,
 
 2/6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Chapel Farm, and on Mickleham Hall, a portion of which still 
 remained intact, although the building had bt'cn looted by 
 Zouaves. In Leatherhead the French had established hospitals 
 at Givoiis Grove, Vale Lodge, Ehnbank, and in the Church of 
 St. Mary and the parish church at Fetcham. At Guildford, 
 in addition to the field hospitals on Albury Downs and behind 
 St. Catherine's Hill, Holden, Warren, and Ty ting Farms, Sutton 
 Place and Loseley were filled with wounded French infantry- 
 men and British prisoners, and many schools and buildings, 
 including the Guildhall in Guildford town, bore the red 
 cross. 
 
 At two most important strategic points the first line 
 defending London had now been broken, and the British 
 officers knew that it would require every effort on our part to 
 recover our lost advantages. The metropolis was now seriously 
 threatened ; for soon after dawn on the following day two great 
 French columns, one from Guildford and the other from 
 Leatlierhead, were advancing north towards tlie Thames ! The 
 enemy had established telegraphic communication between the 
 two towns, and balloons that had been sent up from Guildford 
 and Ashstead to reconnoitre had reported that the second line 
 of the British defence had been formed from Kingston, through 
 Wimbledon, Tooting, Streatham, and Upper Norwood, and 
 thence across vid Sydenham to Lewisham and Greenwich. 
 
 It was upon this second line of defence that the French, 
 with their enormous force of artillery, now marched. The 
 Leatherhead column, with their main body about one day's 
 march behind, took the route through Epsom to Mitcham, 
 while the troops from Guildford pushed on through liipley, 
 Cobham, and Esher. 
 
 This advance occupied a day, and when a halt was made 
 for the night the enemy's front extended from Walton to 
 Thames Ditton, thence across Kingston Common and Maiden 
 to Mitcham. Bivouacing, they faced the British second line of 
 defence, and waited for the morrow to commence their onslaught. 
 In Loudon the alarming news of the enemy's success caused a 
 panic such as had never before been experienced in the
 
 March of the French on London 277 
 
 metropolis. Daring the long anxious weeks that the enemy 
 had been held within bounds by our Volunteers, London had 
 never fully realised what bombardment would mean. While 
 the rreueii were beyond the Surrey Hills, Londoners felt secure; 
 and the intelligence received of the enemy's utter rout at 
 Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow added con- 
 siderably to this sense of security. 
 
 London, alas ! was starving. Business was suspended ; 
 trains no longer left the termini ; omnibuses, trams, and cabs 
 had ceased running, the horses having been pressed into 
 military service, and those which had not had been killed and 
 eaten. The outlook everywhere, even during those blazing 
 sunny days and clear moonlit nights, was cheerless and 
 dispiriting. The bright sun seemed strangely incongruous 
 with the black war-clouds that overhung the gigantic city, 
 with its helpless, starving, breathless millions. 
 
 In the sun-baked, dusty streets the roar of traffic no longer 
 sounded, but up and down the principal thoroughfares of the 
 City and the West End the people prowled, lean and hungry — 
 emaciated victims of this awful struggle between nations — 
 seeking vainly for food to satisfy the terrible pangs consuming 
 them. The hollow cheek, the thin, sharp nose, tlie dark-ringed 
 glassy eye of one and all, told too plainly of the widespread 
 suffering, and little surprise was felt at the great mortality in 
 every quarter. 
 
 In Kensington and Belgravia the distress was quite as keen 
 as in Whitechapel and Hackney, and both rich and poor 
 mingled in the gloomy, dismal streets, wandering aimlessly 
 over the great Modern Babylon, ^\•hich the enemy were now 
 plotting to destroy. 
 
 The horrors of those intensely anxious days of terror 
 were unspeakable. The whole machinery of life in the Great 
 City had been disorganised, and now London lay like an 
 octopus, with her long arms extended in every direction, north 
 and south of the Thames, inert, helpless, trembling. Over the 
 gigantic Capital of the World hung the dark Shadow of Death. 
 By day and l)y night its ghastly presence could be felt; its
 
 278 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 hideous realities crushed the heart from those who would face 
 the situation with smiling countenance. London's wealth 
 availed her not in this critical hour. 
 
 Grim, spectral, unseen, the Destroying Angel held the 
 sword over her, ready to strike !
 
 CHAPTEE XXXIV. 
 
 LOOTING IN THE SUBURBS. 
 
 HILE famished men crept into Hyde Park and 
 Kensington Gardens and there expired under 
 the trees of absohite hunger, and starving 
 women with babes at their breasts sank upon 
 doorsteps and died, the more robust Londoners 
 had, on hearing of the enemy's march on the 
 metropolis, gone south to augment the second line of defence. 
 For several weeks huge barricades had been thrown up in the 
 principal roads approaching London from the south. The 
 strongest of these were opposite the Convalescent Home on 
 Kingston Hill, in Coombe Lane close to Paynes Park Station, 
 in the Morden Eoad at Merton Abbey, opposite Lynwood in 
 the Tooting Eoad; while nearer London, on the same road, 
 there was a strong one with machine guns on the crest of 
 Balham Hill, and another in Clapham Eoad. At Streatham 
 Hill, about one hundred yards from the hospital, earthworks 
 had been thrown up, and several guns brought into position ; 
 while at Beulah Hill, Norwood, opposite the Post Office at 
 Upper Sydenham, at the Half Moon at Heme Hill, and in 
 many of the roads between Honor Oak and Denmark Hill, 
 barricades had been constructed and banked up with bags and 
 baskets filled with earth. 
 
 Though these defences were held by enthusiastic civilians 
 of all classes, — professional men, artisans, and tradesmen, — yet 
 our second line of defence, distinct, of course, from the local 
 
 279
 
 28o The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 barricades, was a very weak one. We had relied upon our 
 magnificent strategic positions on tlie Surrey Hills, and had not 
 made sufticieut provision in case of a sudden reverse. Our 
 second line, stretching from Croydon up to South Norwood, 
 thence to Streatham and along the railway line to Wimbledon 
 and Kingston, was composed of a few battalions of Volunteers, 
 detachments of Metropolitan police, Berks and Bucks con- 
 stabulary, London firemen and postmen, the Corps of Com- 
 missionaires — in fact, every body of drilled men who could be 
 requisitioned to handle revolver or rifle. These were backed 
 by great bodies of civilians, and behind stood the Jsarricades 
 with their insignificant-looking but terribly deadly machine 
 guns. 
 
 The railways had, on the first news of the enemy's success 
 at Leatherhead and Guildford, all been cut up, and in each of 
 the many bridges spanning the Thames between Kingston 
 and the Tower great charges of gun-cotton had been placed, 
 so that they might be blown up at any instant, and thus 
 prevent the enemy from investing the city. 
 
 Day dawned again at last — dull and grey. It had rained 
 during the night, and the roads, wet and muddy, were un- 
 utterably gloomy as our civilian defenders looked out upon 
 them, well knowing that ere long a fierce attack would be 
 made. In the night the enemy had been busy laying a field 
 telegraph from Mitcham to Kingston, through which messages 
 were now being continually flashed. 
 
 Suddenly, just as the British outposts were being relieved, 
 the French commenced a vigorous attack, and in a quarter of 
 an hour fighting extended along the whole line. Volunteers, 
 firemen, policemen. Commissionaires, and civilians all fought 
 bravely, trusting to one hope, namely, that before they were 
 defeated the enemy would be outflanked and attacked in their 
 rear by a British force from the Surrey Hills. They well knew 
 that to effectually bar the advance of this great body of French 
 was out of all question, yet they fought on with creditable 
 tact, and in many instances inflicted serious loss upon the 
 eneujy's infantry.
 
 Looting in the Suburbs 
 
 2«I 
 
 Soon, however, French field guns were trained ujion tlicm, 
 and amid the roar of artillery line after line of heroic Britons 
 fell shattered to earth. Amid the rattle of musketry, the 
 crackling of the machine guns, and the booming of 16-pounders, 
 brave Londoners struggled valiantly against the masses of 
 wildly excited Frenchmen ; yet every moment the line became 
 slowly weakened, and the defenders were gradually forced 
 back upon their barricades. The resistance which the French 
 met with was much more determined than they had antici- 
 pated; in fact, a small force of Volunteers holding the Mitcham 
 Eoad, at Streatham, fought with such splendid bravery, that 
 they succeeded alone and unaided in completely wiping out a 
 battalion of French infantry, and capturing two field guns and 
 a quantity of ammunition. For this success, however, they, 
 alas ! paid dearly, for a quarter of an hour later a large body 
 of cavalry and infantry coming over from Woodlands descended 
 upon them and totally annihilated them, with the result that 
 Streatham fell into the hands of the French, and a few guns 
 placed in the high road soon made short work of the earth- 
 works near the hospital. Under the thick hail of bursting 
 shells the brave band who manned the guns were at last com- 
 pelled to abandon them, and the enemy were soon marching 
 unchecked into Stockwell and Brixton, extending their right, 
 with the majority of their artillery, across Heme Hill, Dulwich, 
 and Honor Oak. 
 
 In the meantime a desperate battle was being fought 
 around Kingston. The barricade on Kingston Hill held out 
 for nearly three hours, but was at last captured by the in- 
 vaders, and of those who had manned it not a man survived. 
 Mitcham and Tooting had fallen in the first hour of the 
 engagement, the barricade at Lynwood had been taken, and 
 hundreds of the houses in Balham had been looted by the 
 enemy in their advance into Clapham. 
 
 Nearly the whole morning it rained in torrents, and both 
 invaders and defenders were wet to the skin, and covered with 
 blood and mud. Everywhere British pluck showed itself in 
 this desperate resistance on the part of these partially-trained
 
 282 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 defenders. At the smaller barricades in the suburban jerry- 
 built streets, Britons held their own and checked the advance 
 with remarkable coolness ; yet, as the dark, stormy day wore 
 on, the street defences were one after another broken down 
 and destroyed. 
 
 Indeed, by three o'clock that afternoon the enemy ran riot 
 through the whole district, from Lower Sydenham to Kingston. 
 Around the larger houses on Sydenham Hill one of the fiercest 
 fights occurred, but at length the defenders were driven down 
 into Lordship Lane, and the houses on the hill were sacked, 
 and some of them burned. While this was proceeding, a great 
 force of French artillery came over from Streatham, and before 
 dusk five great batteries had been established along the Parade 
 in front of the Crystal Palace, and on Sydenham Hill and 
 One Tree Hill; while other smaller batteries were brought into 
 position at Forest Hill, Gipsy Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham Hill, 
 and Heme Hill ; and further towards Loudon about twenty 
 French 12-pounders and a number of new quick-firing weapons 
 of long range and a very destructive character were placed 
 along the top of Camberwell Grove and Denmark Hill. 
 
 The defences of London had been broken. The track of 
 the invaders was marked by ruined homes and heaps of corpses, 
 and London's millions knew on this eventful night that the 
 enemy were now actually at their doors. In Fleet Street, in 
 the Strand, in Piccadilly, the news spread from mouth to 
 mouth as darkness fell that the enemy were preparing to 
 launch their deadly shells into the City. This increased the 
 panic. The people were in a mad frenzy of excitement, and 
 the scenes everywhere were terrible. Women wept and 
 wailed, men uttered words of blank despair, and children 
 screamed at an unknown terror. 
 
 The situation was terrible. From the Embankment away 
 on the Surrey side could be seen a lurid glare in the sky. It 
 was the reflection of a great fire in Vassall Eoad, Brixton, the 
 whole street being burned by the enemy, together with the 
 great block of houses lying between the Cowley and Brixton 
 Koads.
 
 Looting in the Suburbs 283 
 
 London waited. Dark storm-clouds scudded across the 
 moon. The chill wind swept up the river, and moaned mourn- 
 fully in doors and chimneys. 
 
 At last, without warning, just as Big Ben had boomed 
 forth one o'clock, the thunder of artillery shook the windows, 
 and startled the excited crowds. Great shells crashed into the 
 streets, remained for a second, and then burst with deafening 
 report and appalling effect. 
 
 In Trafalgar Square, Fleet Street, and the Strand the 
 deadly projectiles commenced to fall thickly, wrecking the 
 shops, playing havoc with the public buildings, and sweeping 
 hundreds of men and women into eternity. Nothing could 
 withstand their awful force, and the people, rushing madly 
 about like frightened sheep, felt that this was indeed their 
 last hour. 
 
 In Ludgate Hill the scene was awful. Shots fell with 
 monotonous regularity, bursting everywhere, and blowing 
 buildings and men into atoms. The French shells were 
 terribly devastating ; the reek of melinite poisoned the air. 
 Shells striking St. Paul's Cathedral brought down the right- 
 hand tower, and crashed into the dome ; while others set on fire 
 a long range of huge drapery warehouses behind it, the glare of 
 the roaring flames causing the great black Cathedral to stand 
 out in bold relief. 
 
 The bombardment had actually commenced ! London, the 
 proud Capital of the "World, was threatened with destruction '
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 LONDON BOMBARDED. 
 
 HE Hand of the Destroyer had reached England's 
 mighty metropolis. The lurid scene was 
 appalling. 
 
 In the stormy sky the red glare from 
 hundreds of burning buildings grew brighter, 
 and in every quarter flames leaped up and 
 black smoke curled slowly away in increasing volume. 
 
 The people were unaware of the events that had occurred 
 in Surrey that day. Exhausted, emaciated, and ashen pale, the 
 hungry people had endured every torture. Panic-stricken, 
 they rushed hither and thither in thousands up and down the 
 principal thoroughfares, and as they tore headlong away in 
 this sauve qui jieut to the northern suburbs, the weaker fell and 
 were trodden under foot. 
 
 Men fought for their wives and families, dragging them 
 away out of the range of the enemy's fire, which apparently 
 did not extend beyond the line formed by the Hackney Eoad, 
 City Ptoad, Pentonville Road, Euston Road, and Westbourne 
 Park. But in that terrible rush to escape many delicate ladies 
 were crushed to death, and numbers of others, with their 
 children, sank exhausted, and perished beneath the feet of 
 the fleeing millions. 
 
 Never before had such alarm been spread through 
 London ; never before had such awful scenes of destruction 
 been witnessed. The French Commander-in-chief, who was 
 
 284
 
 London Bombarded 285 
 
 senior to his Eussian colleague, had been killed, and his suc- 
 cessor being unwilling to act in concert with the Muscovite 
 staff, a quarrel ensued. It was this quarrel which caused the 
 bombardment of London, totally against the instructions of 
 their respective Governments. The bombardment was, in 
 fact, wholly unnecessary, and was in a gi'eat measure due to 
 some confused orders received by the Erench General I'rom 
 his Commander-in-chief. Into the midst of the surging, 
 terrified crowds that congested the streets on each side of 
 the Thames, shells filled with melinite dropped, and, bursting, 
 blew hundreds of despairing Londoners to atoms. Houses 
 were shattered and fell, public buildings were demolished, 
 factories were set alight, and the powerful exploding pro- 
 jectiles caused the Great City to reel and quake. Above 
 the constant crash of bursting shells, the dull roar of 
 the flames, and the crackling of burning timbers, terrific 
 detonations now and then were heard, as buildings, filled 
 with combustibles, were struck by shots, and, exploding, 
 spread death and ruin over wide areas. The centre of com- 
 merce, of wealth, of intellectual and moral life was being 
 ruthlessly wrecked, and its inhabitants massacred. Appar- 
 ently it was not the intention of the enemy to invest the 
 city at present, fearing perhaps that the force that had 
 penetrated the defences was not sufficiently large to accom- 
 plish such a gigantic task ; therefore they had commenced 
 this terrible bombardment as a preliminary measure. 
 
 Through the streets of South London the people rushed 
 along, all footsteps being bent towards the bridges ; but on 
 every one of them the crush was frightful — indeed, so great 
 was it that in several instances the stone balustrades were 
 broken, and many helpless, shrieking persons were forced 
 over into the dark swirling waters below. The booming of 
 the batteries was continuous, the bursting of the shells was 
 deafening, and every moment was one of increasing horror. 
 Men saw their liomes swept away, and trembling women 
 clung to their husbands, speechless with fear. In the 
 City, in the Strand, in Westminster, and West End streets
 
 286 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 the ruin was even greater, and the destruction of property 
 enormous. 
 
 Westward, both great stations at Victoria, with the adjoin- 
 ing furniture repositories and the Grosvenor Hotel, were 
 burning fiercely ; while the Wellington Barracks had been 
 partially demolished, and the roof of St. Peter's Church 
 blown away. Two shells falling in the quadrangle of Buck- 
 ingham Palace had smashed every window and wrecked some 
 of the ground-floor apartments, but nevertheless upon the 
 flagstaff, amidst the dense smoke and showers of sparks flying 
 upward, there still floated the Eoyal Standard. St, James's 
 Palace, Marlborough House, Stafford House, and Clarence 
 House, standing in exposed positions, were being all more 
 or less damaged ; several houses in Carlton House Terrace 
 had been partially demolished, and a shell striking the Duke 
 of York's Column soon after the commencement of the bom- 
 bardment, caused it to fall, blocking Waterloo Place, 
 
 Time after time shells whistled above and fell with a crash 
 and explosion, some in the centre of the road, tearing up the 
 paving, and others striking the clubs in Pall Mall, blowing 
 out many of those noble time-mellowed walls. The portico of 
 the Athenaeum had been torn away like pasteboard, the rear 
 premises of the War Office had been pulverised, and the 
 Carlton, Eeform, and United Service Clubs suffered terrible 
 damage. Two shells striking the Junior Carlton crashed 
 through the roof, and exploding almost simultaneously, 
 brought down an enormous heap of masonry, which fell 
 across the roadway, making an effectual barricade ; while at 
 the same moment shells began to fall thickly in Grosvenor 
 Place and Belgrave Square, igniting many houses, and killing 
 some of those who remained in their homes petrified by fear. 
 
 Up Eegent Street shells were sweeping with frightful 
 effect. The Cafe Monico and the whole block of buildings 
 surrounding it was burning, and the flames leaping high, 
 presented a magnificent though appalling spectacle. The 
 front of the London Pavilion had been partially blown away, 
 and of the two uniform rows of shops forming the Quadrant
 
 London Bombarded 287 
 
 many had been wrecked. From Air Street to Oxford Circus, 
 and along Piccadilly to Knightsbridge, there fell a perfect hail 
 of shell and bullets. Devonshire House had been wrecked, 
 and the Burlington Arcade destroyed. The thin pointed 
 spire of St. James's Church had fallen, every window in the 
 Albany was shattered, several houses in Grosvenor Place had 
 suffered considerably, and a shell that struck the southern side 
 of St. George's Hospital had ignited it, and now at 2 a.m., in 
 the midst of this awful scene of destruction and disaster, the 
 helpless sick were being removed into the open streets, where 
 bullets whistled about them and fragments of explosive shells 
 whizzed past. 
 
 As the night wore on London trembled and fell. Once 
 Mistress of the World, she was now, alas ! sinking under the 
 iron hand of the invader. Upon her there poured a rain of 
 deadly missiles that caused appalling slaughter and desolation. 
 The newly introduced long-range guns, and the terrific power 
 of the explosives with which the French shells were charged, 
 added to the horrors of the bombardment ; for although the 
 batteries were so far away as to be out of sight, yet the 
 unfortunate people, overtaken by their doom, were torn limb 
 from limb by the bursting bombs. 
 
 Over the roads lay men of London, poor and rich, weltering 
 in their blood, their lower limbs shattered or blown completely 
 away. With wide-open haggard eyes, in their death agony 
 they gazed around at the burning buildings, at the falling 
 debris, and upward at the brilliantly-illumined sky. With 
 their last breath they gasped prayers for those they loved, 
 and sank to the grave, hapless victims of Babylon's downfall. 
 
 Every moment the Great City was being devastated, every 
 moment the catastrophe was more complete, more awful. In 
 the poorer quarters of South London whole streets were swept 
 away, and families overwhelmed by their own demolished 
 homes. Along the principal thoroughfares shop fronts were 
 shivered, and the goods displayed in the windows strewn 
 about the roadway. 
 
 About half-past three a frightful disaster occurred at 
 20
 
 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Battersea. Very few shells had dropped in that district, 
 when suddenly one fell right in the very centre of a great 
 petroleum store. The effect was frightful. With a noise 
 that was heard for twenty miles around, the whole of the 
 great store of oil exploded, blowing the stores themselves 
 high into the air, and levelling all the buildings in the 
 vicinity. In every direction burning oil was projected over 
 the roofs of neighbouring houses, dozens of which at once 
 caught fire, while down the streets there ran great streams of 
 blazing oil, which spread the conflagration in every direction. 
 Showers of sparks flew upwards, the flames roared and 
 crackled, and soon fires were breaking out in all quarters. 
 
 Just as the clocks were striking a quarter to four, a great 
 shell struck the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament, 
 bringing it down with a terrific crash. This disaster was 
 quickly followed by a series of others. A shell fell through 
 the roof of Westminster Abbey, setting the grand old historic 
 building on fire; another tore away the columns from the 
 front of the Royal Exchange ; and a third carried away one of 
 the square twin towers of St. Mary Woolnoth, at the corner of 
 Lombard Street. 
 
 Along this latter thoroughfare banks were wrecked, and 
 offices set on fire ; while opposite, in the thick walls of the 
 Bank of England, great breaches were being made. The 
 Mansion House escaped any very serious injury, but the dome 
 of the Stock Exchange was carried away; and in Queen Victoria 
 Street, from end to end, enormous damage was caused to the 
 rows of fine business premises ; while further east the Monu- 
 ment, broken in half, came down with a noise like thunder, 
 demolishing many houses on Eish Street Hill. 
 
 The great drapery warehouses in Wood Street, Bread Street, 
 Eriday Street, Foster Lane, and St. Paul's Churchyard suffered 
 more or less. Ryland's, Morley's, and Cook's were all alight 
 and burning fiercely ; while others were wrecked and shattered, 
 and their contents blown out into the streets. The quaint 
 spire of St. Bride's had fallen, and its bells lay among the 
 debris in the adjoining courts; both the half- wrecked offices
 
 London Bombarded 289 
 
 of the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Chronicle were being 
 consumed. 
 
 The great clock-tower of the Law Courts fell about four 
 o'clock with a terrific crash, completely blocking the Strand 
 at Temple Bar, and demolishing the mucli -abused Griffin 
 Memorial ; while at the same moment two large holes were 
 torn in the roof of the Great Hall, the small black turret above 
 fell, and the whole of the glass in the building was shivered 
 into fragments. 
 
 It was amazing how widespread was the ruin caused 
 by each of the explosive missiles. Considering the number 
 of guns employed by the French in this cruel and wanton 
 destruction of property, the desolation they were causing was 
 enormous. This was owing to the rapid extension of their 
 batteries over the high ground from One Tree Hill through 
 Peckham to Greenwich, and more especially to the wide ranges 
 of their guns and the terrific power of their shells. In addition 
 to the ordinary projectiles filled with melinite, charges of that 
 extremely powerful substance lignine dynamite were hurled 
 into the city, and, exploded by a detonator, swept away whole 
 streets, and laid many great public buildings in ruins ; while 
 steel shells, filled with some arrangement of liquid oxygen and 
 blasting gelatine, produced frightful effects, for nothing could 
 withstand them. 
 
 One of these, discharged from the battery on Denmark 
 Hill, fell in the quadrangle behind Burlington House, and 
 levelled the Eoyal Academy and the surrounding buildings. 
 Again a terrific explosion sounded, and as the smoke cleared 
 it was seen that a gelatine shell had fallen among the many 
 turrets of the Natural History Museum, and the front of the 
 building fell out with a deafening crash, completely blocking 
 the Cromwell Eoad. 
 
 London lay at the mercy of the invaders. So swiltly had 
 the enemy cut their way through the defences and opened their 
 hail of destroying missiles, that the excited, starving populace 
 were unaware of what had occurred until dynamite began to 
 rain upon them. Newspapers had ceased to appear; and
 
 290 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 although telegraphic communication was kept up with the 
 defenders on the Surrey Hills by the War Office, yet no details 
 of the events occurring there had been made public for fear of 
 spies. Londoners had remained in ignorance, and, alas ! had 
 awaited their doom. Through the long sultry night the situa- 
 tion was one of indescribable panic and disaster. 
 
 The sky had grown a brighter red, and the streets within 
 the range of the enemy's guns, now deserted, were in most 
 cases blocked by burning ruins and fallen telegraph wires; 
 while about the roadways lay the shattered corpses of men, 
 women, and children, upon whom the shells had wrought their 
 frightful work. 
 
 The bodies, mutilated, torn limb from limb, were sickening 
 to gaze upon.
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 BABYLON BURNING. 
 
 m. 
 
 ^YNAMITE had shattered Charing Cross Station 
 and the Hotel, for its smoke-begrimed facade 
 had been torn out, and the station yard was 
 filled with a huge pile of smouldering debris. 
 On either side of the Strand from Villiers 
 Street to Temple Bar scarcely a window had 
 been left intact, and the roadway itself was quite impassable, 
 for dozens of buildings had been overthrown by shells, and 
 what in many cases had been handsome shops were now heaps 
 of bricks, slates, furniture, and twisted girders. The rain of fire 
 continued. Dense black smoke rising in a huge column from 
 St. Martin's Church showed plainly what was the fate of that 
 noble edifice, while fire had now broken out at the Tivoli 
 Music Hall, and the clubs on Adelphi Terrace were also 
 falling a prey to the flames. 
 
 The burning of Babylon was a sight of awful, appalling 
 grandeur. 
 
 The few people remaining in the vicinity of the Strand 
 who escaped the flying missiles and falling buildings, sought 
 M'hat shelter they could, and stood petrified by terror, knowing 
 that every moment miglit be their last, not daring to fly into 
 the streets leading to Holboru, where they could see the 
 enemy's shells were still falling with unabated regularity and 
 frightful result, their courses marked by crashing buildings and 
 blazing ruins.
 
 292 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Looking from Charing Cross, the Strand seemed one huge 
 glaring furnace. Flames belched from windows on either side, 
 and, bursting through roofs, great tongues of fire shot upwards ; 
 blazing timbers fell into the street ; and as the buildings became 
 gutted, and the fury of the devouring element was spent, 
 shattered walls tottered and fell into the roadway. The terrific 
 heat, the roar of the flames, the blinding smoke, the stifling 
 fumes of dynamite, the pungent, poisonous odour of melinite, 
 the clouds of dust, the splinters of stone and steel, and the 
 constant bursting of shells, combined to render the scene the 
 most awful ever witnessed in a single thoroughfare during the 
 history of the world. 
 
 From Kensington to Bow, from Camberwell to Somers 
 Town, from Clapham to Deptford, the vast area of congested 
 houses and tortuous streets was being swept continually. 
 South of the Thames the loss of life was enormous, for 
 thousands were unable to get beyond the zone of fire, and 
 many in Brixton, Clapham, Camberwell, and Kennington were 
 either maimed by flying fragments of shell, buried in the debris 
 of their homes, or burned to death. The disasters wrought by 
 the Frenchmen's improved long-range weapons were frightful. 
 
 London, the all-powerful metropolis, which had egotistically 
 considered herself the impregnable Citadel of the World, fell 
 to pieces and was consumed. She was frozen by terror, and 
 lifeless. Her ancient monuments were swept away, her wealth 
 melted in her coffers, her priceless objects of art were torn up 
 and broken, and her streets ran with the blood of her starving 
 toilers. 
 
 Day dawned grey, with stormlight gloom. Rain-clouds 
 scudded swiftly across the leaden sky. Along the road in 
 front of the Crystal Palace, where the French batteries were 
 established, the deafening discharges that had continued 
 incessantly during the night, and had smashed nearly all the 
 glass in the sides and roof of the Palace, suddenly ceased. 
 
 The officers were holding a consultation over despatches 
 received from the batteries at Tulse Hill, Slreatham, Red Post 
 Hill, One Tree Hill, and Greenwich, all of which stated that
 
 Babylon Burning 293 
 
 ammunition had run short, and they were therefore unable to 
 continue the bombardment. 
 
 Neither of the ammunition trains of the two columns of the 
 enemy had arrived, for, although the bombarding batteries were 
 unaware of it, both had been captured and blown up by British 
 Volunteers. 
 
 It was owing to this that the hostile guns were at last 
 compelled to cease their thunder, and to this fact also was 
 due the fortunes of the defenders in the events immediately 
 following. 
 
 Our Volunteers occupying the line of defence north of 
 London, through Epping and Brentwood to Tilbury, had for 
 the past three weeks been in daily expectation of an attempt 
 on the part of the invaders to land in Essex, and were amazed 
 at witnessing this sudden bombardment. From their positions 
 on the northern heights they could distinctly see how disastrous 
 was the enemy's fire, and although they had been informed by 
 telegraph of the reverses we had sustained at Guildford and 
 Leatherhead, yet they had no idea that the actual attack on the 
 metropolis would be made so swiftly. However, they lost not 
 a moment. It was evident that the enemy had no intention of 
 effecting a landing in Essex; therefore, with commendable 
 promptitude, they decided to move across the Thames immedi- 
 ately, to reinforce their comrades in Surrey. Leaving the 2nd 
 and 4th West Biding Artillery, under Col. Hofi'mann and Col. 
 N. Creswick, V.D., at Tilbury, and the Lincolnshire, Essex, and 
 Worcestershire Volunteer Artillery, under Col. G. M. Hutton, 
 V.D., Col. S. L. Howard, V.D., and Col. W. Ottley, the greater part 
 of the Norfolk, Staffordshire, Tay, Aberdeen, Manchester, and 
 Northern Counties Field Brigades moved south with all possible 
 speed. From Brentwood, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Volunteer 
 Battalions of the Norfolk Eegiment, under Col. A. C. Dawson, 
 Col. E. H. H. Combe, Col. H. E. Hyde, V.D., and Col. C. W. 
 J. Unthank, V.D. ; the 1st and 2nd North Staffordshire, under 
 Col. W. H. Button, V.D, and Col. F. D. Mort, V.D. ; and the 
 1st, 2nd, and 3rd South Staffordshire, under Col. J. B. Cochrane, 
 V.D., Col. T. T. Fisher, V.D., and Col. K Nayler, V.D. ; the
 
 294 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Koyal Highlanders, under Col. W. A. 
 Gordon, V.D., Col. Sir R D. Moncreiffe, Col. Sir E. Menzies, 
 V.D., and Col. Erskine ; the 7th Argyll and Sutherland High- 
 landers, under CoL J. Porteous, V.D. ; the 3rd, 4th, and 5th 
 Gordon Highlanders, under Col. A. D. Fordyce, Col. G. Jackson, 
 V.D., and Col. J. Johnston — were, as early as 2 a.m., on their 
 way to London. 
 
 At this critical hour the Engineer and Railway Volunteer 
 Staff Corps rendered invaluable services. Under the direction 
 of Col. William Birt, trains held in readiness by the Great 
 Eastern Railway brought the brigades rapidly to Liverpool 
 Street, whence they marched by a circuitous route beyond the 
 zone of fire by way of Marylebone, Paddiugton, Kensington 
 Gardens, Walham Green, and across Wandsworth Bridge, thence 
 to Upper Tooting, where they fell in with a large force of our 
 Regular infantry and cavalry, who were on their way to outflank 
 the enemy. 
 
 Attacking a detachment of the French at Tooting, they 
 captured several guns, destroyed the enemy's field telegraph, 
 and proceeded at once to Streatham, where the most desperate 
 resistance was offered. A fierce fight occurred across Streat- 
 ham Common, and over to Lower Norwood and Gipsy Hill, in 
 which both sides lost very heavily. Nevertheless our Volunteers 
 from Essex, although they had been on the march the greater 
 part of the night, fought bravely, and inflicted terrible punish- 
 ment upon their foe. The 3rd and 4th Volunteer Battalions of 
 the Gordon Highlanders and the 1st Norfolk, attacking a French 
 position near the mouth of the railway tunnel, displayed con- 
 spicuous bravery, and succeeded in completely annihilating 
 their opponents; while in an opposite direction, towards Tooting, 
 several troops of French cavalry were cut up and taken 
 prisoners by two battalions of Royal Highlanders. 
 
 The batteries on Streatham Hill having been assaulted and 
 taken, the force of defenders pushed quickly onward to Upper 
 Norwood, where our cavalry, sweeping along Westow Hill and 
 Church Street, fell upon the battery in front of the Crystal 
 Palace. The enemy, owing to the interruption of their field
 
 Babylon Burning 295 
 
 telegraph, were unaware of their presence, and were completely 
 surprised. Nevertheless French infantrymen rushed into the 
 Crystal Palace Hotel, the White Swan, Stanton Harcourt, 
 the Knoll, Rocklands, and other houses at both ends of the 
 Parade, and from the windows poured forth withering volleys 
 from their Lebels. Our cavalry, riding down the broad Parade, 
 used their sabres upon the artillerymen, and the whole of the 
 French troops were quickly in a confused mass, unable to act 
 with effect, and suffering appallingly from the steady fire of our 
 Volunteers, who very soon cleared the enemy from the White 
 Swan, and, having been drawn up outside, poured forth a 
 galling rifle fire right along the enemy's position. Suddenly 
 there was loud shouting, and the British " Cease fire " sounded. 
 The French, though fighting hard, were falling back gradually 
 down the hill towards Sydenham Station, when suddenly shots 
 were heard, and turbaned cavalry came riding into them at a 
 terrific pace from the rear. 
 
 The British officers recognised the new-comers as a squadron 
 of Bengal Lancers ! At last India had sent us help, and our 
 men sent up a loud cheer. A large force of cavalry and 
 infantry, together with two regiments of Goorkas, had, it 
 appeared, been landed at Sheerness. They had contemplated 
 landing in Hampshire, but, more unfortunate than some of 
 their compatriots who had effected a landing near Southamp- 
 ton, they were driven through the Straits of Dover by the 
 enemy's cruisers. Marching north in company with a force 
 from Chatham, they had earlier that morning attacked and 
 routed the enemy's right flank at Blackheath, and, after 
 capturing the battery of the foe at Greenwich, greater part of 
 the escort of which had been sent over to Lewisham an hour 
 before, they slaughtered a battalion of Zouaves, and had then 
 extended across to Denmark Hill, where a sanguinary struggle 
 occurred. 
 
 The French on Dog Kennel, Red Post, Heme, and Tulse 
 Hills turned their deadly machine guns upon them, and for a 
 long time all the positions held out. At length, however, by 
 reason of a splendid charge made by the Bengal Lancers, the
 
 296 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 battery at Eed Post Hill was taken and the enemy slaughtered. 
 During the next half-hour a fierce hand-to-hand struggle took 
 place up Dog Kennel Hill from St. Saviour's Infirmary, and 
 presently, when the defenders gained the spur of the hill, they 
 fought the enemy gallantly in Grove Lane, Private Eoad, 
 Bromar Pioad, Camberwell Grove, and adjoining roads. Time 
 after time the Indian cavalry charged, and the Goorkas, with 
 their keen knives, hacked their way into those of the enemy 
 who rallied. For nearly an hour the struggle continued 
 desperately, showers of bullets from magazine rifles sweeping 
 along the usually quiet suburban thoroughfares, until the 
 roads were heaped with dead and dying, and the houses on 
 either side bore evidence of the bloody fray. Then at last 
 the guns placed along the hills all fell into our hands, 
 and the French were almost completely swept out of 
 existence. 
 
 Many were the terrible scenes witnessed in the gardens of 
 the quaint last-century houses on Denmark Hill. Around 
 those old-world residences, standing along the road leading 
 down to Half Moon Lane, time-mellowed relics of an age 
 bygone, Indians fought with Zouaves, and British Volunteers 
 struggled fiercely hand to hand with French infantrymen. 
 The quiet old-fashioned quarter, that was an aristocratic 
 retreat when Camberwell was but a sylvan village with an 
 old toll gate, when cows chewed the cud upon Walworth 
 Common, and when the Walworth Koad had not a house in 
 the whole of it, was now the scene of a frightful massacre. 
 The deafening explosions of cordite from magazine rifles, the 
 exultant shouts of the victors and the hoarse shrieks of the 
 dying, awakened the echoes in those quaint old gardens, with 
 their Dutch-cut zigzag walks, enclosed by ancient red brick 
 walls, moss-grown, lichen covered, and half hidden by ivy, 
 honeysuckle, and creepers. Those spacious grounds, where 
 men were now being mercilessly slaughtered, had been the 
 scene of many a brilliant /e7e chcanpeire, wliere splendid satin- 
 coated beaux, all smiles and ailes de pigeon, whispered scandal 
 behind the fans of dainty dames in high-dressed wigs and
 
 Babylon Burning 297 
 
 patches, or, clad as Watteau shepherds, had danced the alfresco 
 minuet with similarly attired shepherdesses, and later on 
 played piquet and drank champagne till dawn. 
 
 In the good old Georgian days, when Johnson walked daily 
 under the trees in Gough Square, when Macklin was playing 
 the " Man of the World," and when traitors' heads blackened 
 on Temple Bar, this colony was one of the most rural, exclusive, 
 and gay in the vicinity of London. Alas, how it has decayed ! 
 Cheap " desirable residences " have sprung up around it, the 
 hand of the jerry-building Vandal has touched it, the sound of 
 traffic roars about it ; yet still there is a charm in those quaint 
 old gardens of a forgotten era. From under the dark yew 
 hedges the jonquils still peep out early — the flowers themselves 
 are those old-fashioned sweet ones beloved of our grand- 
 mothers — and the tea roses still blossom on the crumbling 
 walls and fill the air with their fragrance. But in this 
 terrible struggle the walls were used as defences, the bushes 
 were torn down and trampled under foot, and the flowers hung 
 broken on their stalks, bespattered with men's blood ! 
 
 Proceeding south again, the defenders successfully attacked 
 the strong batteries on One Tree Hill at Honor Oak, and on 
 Sydenham Hill and Forest Hill, and then extending across to 
 the Crystal Palace, had joined hands with our Volunteers from 
 Essex, where they were now wreaking vengeance for the ruth- 
 less destruction caused in London. 
 
 The bloodshed along the Crystal Palace Parade was fearful. 
 The French infantry and artillery, overwhelmed by the 
 onward rush of the defenders, and now under the British cross- 
 fire, fell in hundreds. Dark - faced Bengal Lancers and 
 Goorkas, with British Hussars and Volunteers, descended upon 
 them with appalling swiftness; and so complete was the 
 slaughter, that of the whole force that had effected that terribly 
 effectual bombardment from Sydenham, not more than a dozen 
 survived. 
 
 By noon many of the shops on Westow Hill and private 
 residences on College Hill and Sydenham Hill had been 
 wantonly ignited by the enemy ; but when the firing ceased
 
 298 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 some hours later, the roads were heaped with the corpses of 
 those whose mission it had been to destroy London. 
 
 Of all those batteries which had caused such frightful 
 desolation and loss of life during the night, not one now 
 remained. The two French columns had been swiftly wiped 
 out of existence; and although our forces had suffered very 
 considerably, they nevertheless were able to go south to 
 Croydon later that afternoon, in order to take part in resisting 
 the vigorous and desperate attack which they knew would 
 sooner or later be made by the whole French army massed 
 beyond the Surrey Hills. The sun was on the horizon, and 
 the shadows were already deepening. 
 
 Assistance had arrived tardily, for the damage to property 
 in London during the night had been enormous ; nevertheless 
 at this the eleventh hour we had inflicted upon the French a 
 crushing defeat, and now England waited, trembling and 
 breathless, wondering what would be the final outcome of this 
 fierce, bloody struggle for our national existence.
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 FIGHTING ON THE SURREY HILLS. 
 
 UR valiant defenders were striking swift, decisive 
 blows for England's honour. The French, 
 demoralised by their severe defeat in the south 
 of London, and suffering considerable loss in 
 every other direction, fought desperately during 
 the two days following the disastrous bom- 
 bardment. 
 
 In darkness and sunlight fierce contests took place along 
 the Surrey Hills, where our Volunteers, under Major-Gen. 
 Lord Methuen, were still entrenched. Every copse bristled 
 with rifles ; red coats gleamed among the foliage, and winding 
 highways were, alas ! strewn with corpses. Guildford had 
 again been reoccupied by our Regulars, who were reorganis- 
 ing; and Leatherhead, holding out for another day, was 
 retaken, after a terribly hard-fought battle, by the Highland, 
 South of Scotland, and Glasgow Brigades, with the 1st Ayr- 
 shire and Galloway Artillery, under Col. J. G. Sturrock, V.I). ; 
 1st Lanarkshire, under Col. R. J. Bennett, V.D. ; 1st Aber- 
 deenshire, under Col. J. Ogston, V.D. ; and 1st North 
 Riding Yorkshire Volunteer Artillery, under Major C. L. Bell. 
 In such a splendid and gallant manner had our comparatively 
 small force manoeuvred, that on the second night following 
 the bombardment the whole of the invaders who had pene- 
 trated beyond our line of defence towards the metropolis had 
 been completely wiped out, in addition to which the breach in
 
 300 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 our line had been filled up by strong reinforcements, and the 
 enemy driven from the high ground between Box Hill and 
 Guildford. 
 
 The invaders, finding how vigorously we repelled any attack, 
 made terrific onslaughts on our position at various points they 
 believed were vulnerable, but everywhere they were hurled 
 back with appalling slaughter. Volunteers from Australia 
 and the Cape, in addition to the other contingent of 10,000 
 Indian native troops, had been landed near Southampton, and 
 had advanced to assist in this terrific struggle, upon the result 
 of which the future of our Empire depended. Among these 
 Colonials were 500 Victorian Eangers, 900 Victoria Mounted 
 Eifles, and seven companies of Queensland Mounted Infantry, 
 with two ambulance corps. 
 
 The Indians landed in splendid form, having brought their 
 full war equipment with them without any contribution what- 
 ever from the Home Government, as it will be remembered 
 they did when they landed at Malta during Lord Beaconsfield's 
 administration. Having received intelligence of the move- 
 ments of the two columns of the enemy that had gone to 
 London after taking Leatherhead and Guildford, they pushed 
 on to Petworth. By the time they arrived there, however, 
 both towns had been recaptured by the British, who were then 
 being severely harassed by the enemy massed along the south 
 side of our defensive line. Although numerically inferior to 
 the enemy occupying that part of the country, the Indians 
 were already well accustomed to actual warfare, the 
 majority having been engaged in operations against the hill 
 tribes ; therefore the commander decided to push on at once, 
 and endeavour to outflank the large French force who with 
 some Eussian infantry had again attacked Guildford, and the 
 manner in which this was accomplished was a single illustra- 
 tion of the valuable assistance the Indians rendered us in 
 these days of bloodshed and despair. 
 
 One of the native officers of a Sikh regiment, the Subadar 
 Banerji Singh, having served with Sir Peter Lumsden's 
 expeditionary iforce some years before, had frequently come
 
 Fighting on the Surrey Hills ^oi 
 
 into contact with tlic Eussians, and could speak Eussian 
 Letter than some of the soldiers of the Tsar's Asiatic corps. 
 The commander of the Indian force, determined that his men 
 should strike their blow and sustain their reputation, advanced 
 with great caution from Petworth, and late in the afternoon of 
 the second evening after the bombardment of London, two 
 Sikhs scouting in front of the advance guard sighted a liussian 
 bivouac on the road on the other side of the Wye Canal 
 beyond Loxwood Bridge, which latter had been demolislied. 
 The Indians were thereupon halted on the road which runs 
 through the wood near Plaistow, and the officers held council. 
 Their information was unfortunately very meagre and their 
 Ivuowledge of the country necessarily vague ; but the Subadar 
 lianerji Singh, who was of unusually fair complexion, volun- 
 teered to don a Eussian uniform, which had been taken with 
 other property from a dead officer found upon the road, and 
 endeavour in that disguise to penetrate the enemy's lines. 
 
 Towards dusk he set out on his perilous journey, and, on 
 arriving at the wrecked bridge, shouted over to two Eussian 
 sentries, explaining that he had been wounded and left behind 
 after tlie fight at Haslemere, and requesting their assistance to 
 enable him to cross. Believing him to be one of their infantry 
 otlicers, they told him there were no means of crossing unless 
 he could swim, as their engineers had sounded the canal before 
 blowing up the bridge, and had found it twenty feet deep. 
 
 Bauerji Singh questioned them artfully as to the position 
 of their column, which they said intended, in co-operation 
 with a great force of rrench cavalry and infantry, to again 
 attack Guildford at dawn ; and further, they told him in 
 confidence that the rearguard to which they belonged only 
 numbered about two thousand men, who had halted for the 
 night with the transport waggons on the Guildford road, about 
 two miles north of Alfold. 
 
 Then, after further confidences, they suggested that he 
 should continue along the canal bank for about a mile and a 
 half, where there was a bridge still intact, and near which he 
 would find the rearguard. 
 
 21
 
 302 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Thanking them, he withdrew into the falling gloom, and a 
 quarter of an hour later entered the presence of his commanding 
 officer, who, of course, was delighted with the information 
 thus elicited. The Subadar had carefully noted all the 
 features of the canal bank and broken bridge, and the valuable 
 knowledge he had obtained was at once put to account, and the 
 General at once formed his force into two divisions. Then, 
 after issuing instructions for the following day, he gave orders 
 for a bivouac for the night. 
 
 The pioneers, however, were far from idle. During the 
 night they worked with unflagging energy, quietly preparing a 
 position for the guns to cover the contemplated passage at 
 Loxwood Bridge, and before day broke the guns were mounted, 
 and the Engineers were ready for action. As soon as there 
 was sufficient light the laying of the pontoon commenced, but 
 was at once noticed by the Eussians, who opened fire, and very 
 soon it was evident that information had been conveyed to the 
 enemy's rearguard, and that they were returning to contest the 
 passage. 
 
 In the meantime one division of the Indians, setting out 
 before daybreak, had been cautiously working round to the 
 main road crossing the canal north of Alfold, and succeeded in 
 getting over soon after the majority of the Eussian rearguard 
 had left for the assistance of the detachment at Loxwood 
 Bridge, and, after a sharp, decisive fight, succeeded in capturing 
 the whole of the transport waggons. The Engineers, with the 
 Indians, had in the meantime succeeded in completing their 
 pontoon under cover of the guns, and the second division 
 of the Indians, dark-faced, daring fellows, rushed across to the 
 opposite bank, and descended upon the enemy with frightful 
 effect. In the hot engagement that followed, the Eussians, 
 now attacked in both front and rear, were totally annihilated, 
 and thus the whole of the reserve ammunition of the force 
 assaulting Guildford fell into our hands. 
 
 This victory on the enemy's left flank caused the tide of 
 events to turn in our favour, for the huge Eussian and French 
 columns that intended to again carry the hills from Dorking
 
 FrCIITING ON THE SuRREY HiLLS 305 
 
 to Guildford were hampered by want of ammunition, and so 
 vigorously did our Volunteers along the hills defend the re- 
 peated attacks, that the invaders were again driven Ijack. 
 Then, as they drew south to recover themselves, they were 
 attacked on their left by a large body of our Eegulars, and in 
 the rear by the Indians and Australians. Over the country 
 stretching across from Cranley through Ewhurst, Ockley, 
 Capel, and Newdigate to Horlcy, the fighting spread, as each 
 side struggled desperately for the mastery. 
 
 The fate of England, nay, of our vast British Empire, was 
 in the hands of those of her stalwart sons of many races who 
 were now wielding valiantly the rille and the sword. Through, 
 that blazing September day, while the people of London 
 wailed among the ruins of their homes, and, breathlessly 
 anxious, awaited news of their victory or their doom, the 
 whole of East Kent, the southern portion of Surrey and 
 northern Sussex, became one huge battlefield. Of the vast 
 bodies of troops massed over hill and dale every regiment 
 became engaged. 
 
 The butchery was awful.
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 NAVAL BATTLE OFF DUNGENESS. 
 
 I N sea England was now showing the world how 
 she still could fight. Following the desperate 
 struggle off Sardinia, in which Italy had ren- 
 dered us such valuable help, our Mediterranean 
 Squadron attacked the French Fleet off Cape 
 Tresforcas, on the coast of Morocco, and after a 
 terrific battle, extending over two days, defeated them with 
 heavy loss, several of the enemy's vessels being torpedoed and 
 sunk, two of them rammed, and one so badly damaged that 
 her captain ran her ashore on Alboran Island. 
 
 After this hard-earned victory, our Squadron passed out of 
 the Mediterranean, and, returning home, had joined hands with 
 the battered remnant of our Channel Fleet, now reinforced by 
 several vessels recalled from foreign stations. Therefore, while 
 the enemy marched upon London, we had collected our naval 
 strength on the south coast, and at length made a final descent 
 upon tlie enemy in British waters. The British vessels that 
 passed Beachy Head coming up Channel on the night of the 
 bombardment of London included the Umpress of India, 
 Inflexible, Nile, Trafalgar, Magnificent, Hood, Warspite, Dread- 
 nought, Camperdown, Blenheim, Barham, Benhoio, Monareh, 
 Anson, Immortality, and Royal Sovereign, with four of the new 
 cruisers built under tlie Spencer programme, viz. the Terrible, 
 Powerful, Doris, and Isis, and a number of smaller vessels, 
 torpedo boats, and " destroyers." 
 
 304
 
 Naval Battle off Dungeness 305 
 
 At the same hour that our vessels were passing Beachy 
 H'.'ad, the Coastguard at Saudwich Battery were suddenly 
 alarmed by electric signals being flashed from a number of 
 warsliips that were slowly passing the Gull Stream revolving 
 light towards the Downs. The sensation these lights caused 
 among the Coastguard and Artillery was immediately dispelled 
 when it was discovered that the warships were not hostile, but 
 friendly ; that the Kaiser had sent a German Squadron, in two 
 divisions, to assist us, and that these vessels were on their 
 way to unite with our own Fleet. The first division, it was 
 ascertained, consisted of the Baden, flying the flag of Vice- 
 Admiral Koester; the Sachen, commanded by Prince Henry 
 of Prussia ; the Wiirtcmhcrg , and the Bayern — all of 7400 tons, 
 and each carrying 18 guns and nearly 400 men ; while the 
 despatch boat Pfeil, the new dynamite cruiser Trier, and a 
 number of torpedo boats, accompanied them. The second 
 division, under Piear-Admiral von Diederichs on board the 
 Konig Wilhelm, consisted of the Bmndcnhurg, Kurfurst 
 Friedrich Wilhelm, and Wcerth, each of 10,300 tons, and 
 carrying 32 guns; the DcutsMand and the Friedrich der Gi'osse, 
 with the despatch vessel Wacht, and several torpedo gunboats 
 and other craft. 
 
 Before dawn, the British and German Fleets united near 
 South Sand Head light, off the South Foreland, and it was 
 decided to commence the attack without delay. Turning west 
 again, the British ships, accompanied by those of the Emperor 
 William, proceeded slowly down Channel in search of the 
 enemy, which they were informed by signal had been sighted 
 by the Coastguard at East Wear, near Folkestone, earlier in 
 tiie night. Just as day broke, however, when the defenders 
 were opposite Dymchurch, about eight miles from land, the 
 enemy were discovered in force. Apparently the French and 
 Paissian Fleets had combined, and were preparing for a final 
 descent upon Dover, or an assault upon the Thames defences ; 
 and it could be seen that, with both forces so strong, the fight 
 would inevitably be one to the death. 
 
 Little time was occupied in preliminaries. Soon our ships
 
 5o6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 were witliin range in fighting formation in single column in 
 line abreast, while the French, under Admiral le Bourgeois, 
 advanced in single column in line ahead. The French flag- 
 ship, leading, was within 2000 yards of the British line, 
 and had not disclosed the nature of her attack. The enemy's 
 Admiral had signalled to the ships astern of him to follow his 
 motions together, as nearly as possible to concentrate their 
 guns at point blank, right ahead, and to pour their shot on the 
 instant of passing our ships. He had but three minutes to 
 decide upon the attack, and as he apparently elected to pierce 
 the centre of our line, the British had no time to counteract 
 him. The French Admiral therefore contiimed his course, 
 and as he passed between the Camperdoiun and Blenheim, he 
 discharged his guns, receiving the British broadsides and bow 
 fire at the same time. In a few minutes, however, it was seen 
 that the French attack had been frustrated, and as dawn 
 spread the fighting increased, and the lines became broken. 
 The ponderous guns of the battleships thundered, and ere long 
 the whole of the great naval force was engaged in this final 
 struggle for England's freedom. The three powerful French 
 battleships, Jaurdgiiihcrry, Jemappes, and Devastation, and the 
 submarine torpedo boat Gustave Z6dS, fiercely attacked the 
 Brandenburg and the Konig Wilhclm ; while the Camperdown, 
 Anson, Drcadnonght, and Warspitc fought desperately with 
 half a dozen of the enemy's battleships, all of which suffered 
 considerably. Our torpedo boats, darting swiftly hither and 
 thither, performed much effective service, and many smart 
 manoiuvres were carried out by astute officers in command of 
 those wasps of the sea. In one instance a torpedo boat, which 
 had designs upon a Eussian ironclad, obtained cover by sending 
 in front of her a gunboat which emitted an immense quantity 
 of dense smoke. This of course obscured from view the 
 torpedo boat under the gunboat's stern, and those on board the 
 Tsar's battleship pounded away at the gunboat, unconscious of 
 the presence of the dangerous little craft. Just as the gunboat 
 got level with the battleship, however, the torpedo boat 
 emerged from the cloud of smoke, and, darting along, ejected
 
 Naval Battle off Dungeness 307 
 
 its "Whitehead with such precision that five minutes later the 
 liussian leviathan sank beneath the dark green waters. 
 Almost at the same moment, the new German dynamite 
 cruiser destroyed a French cruiser, and a fierce and sanguinary 
 encounter took place between the Immortality and the Tri- 
 liouart. The former's pair of 22-tonners, in combination with 
 her ten 6-inch guns, wrought awful havoc on board the French 
 vessel; nevertheless, from the turret of her opponent there 
 came a deadly fire which spread death and destruction through 
 the ship. Suddenly the Frenchman swung round, and with 
 her quick-firing guns shedding a deadly storm of projectiles, 
 came full upon the British vessel. The impact and the angle 
 at which she was struck was not, however, sufficient to ram 
 her, consequently the two vessels became entangled, and amid 
 the rain of bullets the Frenchmen made a desperate attempt 
 to board our ship. A few who managed to spring upon the 
 Immortalitd's deck were cut down instantly, but a couple of 
 hundred fully armed men were preparing to make a rush to 
 overpower oiu- bluejackets. On board the British cruiser, 
 however, the enemy's intentions had been divined, and certain 
 precautions taken. The Fusiliers Marins, armed with Lebels 
 and cutlasses, suddenly made a desperate, headlong rush upon 
 the British cruiser's deck, but just as fifty of them gained their 
 goal, a great hose attached to one of the boilers was brought 
 into play, and scalding water poured upon the enemy. This, 
 in addition to some hand charges at that moment thrown, 
 proved successful in repelling the attack; but just as the 
 survivors retreated in disorder there was a dull explosion, and 
 then it was evident, from the confusion on board the French 
 ship, that she had been torpedoed by a German boat, and was 
 sinking. 
 
 Humanely, our vessel, the Immortality, rescued the whole 
 of her opponent's men ere she sank ; but it was found that in 
 the engagement her captain and half her crew had been 
 killed. On every hand the fight continued with unabated 
 fierceness ; every gun was worked to its utmost capacity, and 
 amid the smoke and din every vessel was swept from stem to
 
 o 
 
 08 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 stern. As morning wore on, the enemy met with one or two 
 successes. Our two new cruisers Terrible and Powerful had 
 been sunk by French torpedoes ; the Hood had been rammed 
 by the Aniiral Baudin, and gone to the bottom with nearly 
 every soul on board ; while the German despatch boat Wacht 
 liad been captured, and seven of our torpedo boats had been 
 destroyed. During the progress of the fight, the vessels came 
 gradually nearer Dungeness, and at eleven o'clock they were 
 still firing at each other, with appalling results on either side. 
 At such close quarters did this great battle occur, that the loss 
 of life was awful, and throughout the ships the destruction 
 was widespread and frightful. About noon the enemy 
 experienced two reverses. The French battleship Formidable 
 blew up with a terrific report, filling the air with debris, her 
 magazine having exploded; while just at that moment the 
 Courbet, whose 48-tonners had caused serious damage to the 
 Warsjoite, was suddenly rammed and sunk by the Empress of 
 India. 
 
 This, the decisive battle, was the most vigorously contested 
 naval fight during the whole of the hostilities. The scene was 
 terrible. The steel leviathans of the sea were being rent 
 asunder and pulverised by the terribly destructive modern 
 arms, and amid the roar and crashing of the guns, shells were 
 bursting everywhere, carrying away funnels, fighting tops, and 
 superstructures, and wrecking the crowded spaces between the 
 decks. Turrets and barbettes were torn away, guns dis- 
 mounted by the enormous shells from heavy guns ; steel 
 armour was torn up and tlirown aside like paper, and many 
 shots entering broadsides, passed clean through and out at the 
 other side. Whitehead torpedoes, carrying heavy charges of 
 gun-cotton, exploded now and then under the enemy's ships ; 
 while both British and French torpedo boat " destroyers," 
 running at the speed of an ordinary train, were sinking or 
 capturing where they could. 
 
 Through the dull, gloomy afternoon the battle continued. 
 Time after time our ships met with serious reverses, for the 
 Alison was sunk by the Eussian flagship Alexander II.,
 
 Naval Battle off Dungeness 309 
 
 assisted by two French cruisers, and this catastrophe was 
 followed almost immediately Ly the torpedoing of the new 
 British cruiser Doris, and the capture of the new German 
 dynamite cruiser Trier. 
 
 By this time, however, the vessels had approached within 
 three miles of Dungeness, and the Campcrdoivn, Em'jjress of 
 India, Royal Sovereign, Injiexible, and Warspite, lying near one 
 another, fought nine of the enemy's vessels, inflicting upon 
 them terrible punishment. Shots from the 67-tonners of the 
 Umpress of India, Boyal Sovereign, and Camperdoivn, combined 
 with those from the 22-tonners of the War spite, swept the 
 enemy's vessels with devastating effect, and during the three- 
 quarters of an hour that the fight between these vessels lasted, 
 the scene of destruction was appalling. Suddenly, with a 
 brilliant flash and deafening detonation, the Eussian flagship 
 Alexander II, one of the vessels now engaging the five British 
 ships, blew up and sank, and ere the enemy could recover 
 from the surprise this disaster caused them, the Canipcrdowii 
 rammed the Araircd Baudin, Avhile the Warspite sank the 
 French cruiser C^cille, the submarine boat Gustave Z4d4, and 
 afterwards captured the torpedo gunboat Bonibe. 
 
 This rapid series of terrible disasters apparently demoralised 
 the enemy. They fought recklessly, and amid the din and 
 confusion two Eussian vessels collided, and were so seriously 
 damaged that both settled down, their crews being rescued by 
 British torpedo boats. Immediately afterwards, however, a 
 frightful explosion rent the air with a deafening sound that 
 dwarfed into insignificance the roar of the heavy guns, and the 
 French battleship Jaureguiherry was completely broken into 
 fragments, scarcely any of her hull remaining. The enemy 
 were amazed. A few moments later another explosion 
 occurred, even louder than the first. For a second the French 
 battleship Devastation, which had been engaging the Boyal 
 Sovereign, was obscured by a brilliant flash, then, as fragments 
 of steel and human limbs were precipitated on every side, it 
 was seen that that vessel also had been completely blown out 
 of the water !
 
 lo The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 The enemy stood appalled. The defenders themselves were 
 at first dumfouuded. A few moments later, however, it 
 became known throughout the British ships that the battery 
 at Dungeness, two miles and a half distant, were rendering 
 assistance with the new pneumatic gun, the secret of which 
 the Government had guarded so long and so well. Five 
 years before, this frightfully deadly weapon had been tested, 
 and proved so successful that the one gun made was broken 
 up and the plans preserved with the utmost secrecy in a safe 
 at the War Office. Now, however, several of the weapons had 
 been constructed, and one of them had been placed in the 
 battery at Dungeness. The British vessels drew off to watch 
 the awful effect of the fire from these marvellous and 
 terribly destructive engines of modern warfare. The enemy 
 would not surrender, so time after time the deafening explosions 
 sounded, and time after time the hostile ships were shattered 
 into fragments. 
 
 Each shot fired by this new pneumatic gun contained 900 
 lbs. of dynamite, which could strike effectively at four miles ! 
 The result of such a charge exploding on a ship was appalling ; 
 the force was terrific, and could not be withstood by the 
 strongest vessel ever constructed. Indeed, the great armoured 
 vessels were being pulverised as easily as glass balls struck by 
 bullets, and every moment hundreds of poor fellows were being 
 hurled into eternity. At last the enemy discovered the distant 
 source of the fire, and prepared to escape beyond range ; but in 
 this they were unsuccessful, for, after a renewed and terrific 
 fight, in which three French ironclads were sunk and two of 
 our cruisers were torpedoed, our force and our allies the 
 Germans succeeded in capturing the remainder of the hostile 
 ships and torpedo boats. 
 
 The struggle had been frightful, but the victory was 
 magnificent. 
 
 That same night the British ships steamed along the Sussex 
 coast and captured the whole of the French and Eussian 
 transports, the majority of which were British vessels that had 
 been seized while lying in French and Eussian ports at the
 
 Naval Battle off Dungeness 31 
 
 time war was declared. The vessels were lying between 
 Beachy Head and Selsey Bill, and by their capture the enemy's 
 means of retreat were at once totally cut off. 
 
 Thus, at the eleventh hour, the British Navy had shown 
 itself worthy of its reputation, and England regained the 
 supremacy of the seas.
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 THE DAY OF KECKONING. 
 
 HE Day of Eeckoning dawned. 
 
 On land the battle was terrific ; the struggle 
 was the most fierce and bloody of any during 
 the invasion. The British Eegulars holding 
 the high ground along from Crowborough to 
 Ticehurst, and from Etchingham, through 
 Briglitling and Ashburnham, down to Battle, advanced in a 
 huge fighting line upon the enemy's base around Eastbourne. 
 The onslaught was vigorously repelled, and the battle across 
 the Sussex Downs quickly became a most wild and sanguinary 
 one; but as the day passed, although the defenders were 
 numerically very weak, they nevertheless gradually effected 
 terrible slaughter, capturing the whole of the enemy's stores, 
 and taking nearly five thousand prisoners. 
 
 In Kent the French had advanced from East Grinstead 
 through Edenbriilge, extending along the hills south of 
 Westerham, and in consequence of these rapid successes the 
 depot of stores and ammunition which had been maintained at 
 Sevenoaks was being removed to Bromley by rail ; but as the 
 officer commanding the British troops at Eynsford could see 
 that it would most probably be impossible to get them all 
 away before Sevenoaks was attacked, orders were issued that 
 at a certain hour the remainder should be destroyed. The 
 force covering the removal only consisted of two battalions of 
 the Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex) Eegiment and 
 
 312
 
 The Day of Reckoning 313 
 
 half a squadron of the 9th Lancers ; but the hills north of 
 Sevenoaks from Luddesdown through Stanstead, Otford, Shore- 
 ham, Halstead, Farnborough, and Keston were still held by 
 our Volunteers. These infantry battalions included the 1st 
 and 2nd Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters), under 
 Col. A. Buchauan, V.D., and Col. E. Hall, V.D.; the 1st Not- 
 tinghamshire, under Col. A. Cantrell - Hubbersty ; the 4th 
 Derbyshire, under Lord Newark ; the 1st and 2nd Lincoln- 
 shire, under Col. J. G. Williams, V.D., and Col. E. G. Ellison ; 
 the 1st Leicestershire, under Col. S. Davis, V.D. ; the 1st North- 
 amptonshire, under Col. T. J. Walker, V.D. ; the 1st and 2nd 
 Shropshire Light Infantry, under CoL J. A, Anstice, V.D., and 
 Col. R T. Masefield; the 1st Herefordshire, under Col. T. 
 H. Purser, V.D.; the 1st, 3rd, and 4th South Wales Borderers, 
 under Col. T. AVood, Col. J. A. Bradney, and Col. H. Burton, 
 V.D.; the 1st and 2nd Warwickshire, under Col. W. S. Jervis 
 and Col. L. V. Loyd ; the 1st and 2nd Welsh Fusiliers, vmder 
 Col. C. S. Mainwaring and Col. B. G. D. Cooke, A\D. ; the 
 2nd Welsh Eegiment, under Col. A. P. Vivian, V.D. ; the 
 ord Glamorganshire, under Col. J. C. Pdchardson, V.D.; and 
 the 1st Worcestershire, under Col. W. H. Talbot, V.D.; while 
 the artillery consisted of the 3rd Kent, under Col. Hozier ; the 
 1st Monmouthshire, under Col. C. T. Wallis; the 1st Shrop- 
 shire and Staffordshire, under Col. J. Strick, V.D. ; and the 
 5th Lancashire, under Col. W. H. Hunt. 
 
 The events which occurred outside Sevenoaks are perhaps 
 best described by Capt. A. E. Brown, of the 4th V.B. West 
 Surrey Regiment, who was acting as one of the special 
 correspondents of the Standard. He wrote — 
 
 " I was in command of a piquet consisting of fifty men of 
 my regiment at Turvan's Farm, and about three hours before 
 the time to destroy the remainder of the stores at Sevenoaks 
 my sentries were suddenly driven in by the enemy, who were 
 advancing from the direction of Froghall. As I had orders to 
 hold the farm at any cost, we immediately prepared for action. 
 Fortunately we had a fair su])ply of provisions and plenty of 
 ammunition, for since War had broken out the place had
 
 314 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 been utilised as a kind of outlying fort, although at this time 
 only my force occupied it. Our equipment included two 
 machine guns, and it was mainly by the aid of these we 
 were saved. 
 
 " The strength of the attacking force appeared to be about 
 four battalions of French infantry and a battalion of Zouaves,, 
 with two squadrons of Cuirassiers. Their intention was, no 
 doubt, to cut the railway line near Twitton, and thus prevent 
 the removal of the Sevenoaks stores. As soon as the cavalry 
 scouts came within range we gave them a few sharp volleys^ 
 and those who were able immediately retired in disorder. 
 Soon afterwards, however, the farm was surrounded, but I 
 had previously sent information to our reserves, and suggested 
 that a sharp watch should be kept upon the line from Twitton 
 to Sevenoaks, for of course I could do nothing with my small 
 force. Dusk was now creeping on, and as the enemy remained 
 quiet for a short time it seemed as though they intended to 
 assault our position when it grew dark. 
 
 "Before night set in, however, my messenger, who had 
 managed to elude the vigilance of the enemy, returned, with a 
 letter from a brother officer stating that a great naval battle 
 had been fought in the Channel ; and further, that the enemy's 
 retreat had been cut off, and that the Kentish defenders had 
 already retaken the invaders' base at Eastbourne. If we could, 
 therefore, still hold the Surrey Hills, there was yet a chance of 
 thoroughly defeating the French and Russians, even though 
 one strong body was reported as having taken Guildford and 
 Leatherhead, and was now marching upon London. 
 
 "As evening drew on we could hear heavy firing in the 
 direction of Sevenoaks, but as we also heard a train running it 
 became evident that we still held the station. Nevertheless, 
 soon after dark there was a brilliant flash which for a second 
 lit up the country around like day, and a terrific report 
 followed. We knew the remainder of our stores and ammuni- 
 tion had been demolished in order that it should not fall into 
 the enemy's hands ! 
 
 " Shortly afterwards we were vigorously attacked, and our
 
 The Day of Reckoning 
 
 o'o 
 
 position quickly became almost untenable by tlie dozens of 
 bullets projected in every direction where the Hash of our 
 rifles could be seen. Very soon some of the farm outbuildings 
 fell into the hands of the Frenchmen, and they set them on 
 fire, together with a number of haystacks, in order to burn us 
 out. This move, however, proved pretty disastrous to them, 
 for the leaping flames quickly rendered it light as day, and 
 showed them up, while at the same time flashes from our 
 muzzles were almost invisible to them. Thus we were 
 enabled to bring our two machine guns into action, and 
 break up every party of Frenchmen who showed themselves. 
 Away over Sevenoaks there was a glare in the sky, for the 
 enemy were looting and burning the town. Meanwhile, how- 
 ever, our men who had been defending the place had retreated 
 to Dunton Green after blowing up the stores, and there they 
 re-formed and were quickly moving off in the direction of 
 Twitton. Fortunately they had heard the commencement of 
 the attack on us, and the commander, halting his force, had 
 sent out scouts towards Chevening, and it appeared they 
 reached us just at the moment the enemy had fired the 
 stacks. They worked splendidly, and, after going nearly all 
 round the enemy's position, returned and reported to their 
 Colonel, who at once resolved to relieve us. 
 
 "As may be imagined, we were in a most critical position 
 by this time, especially as we were unaware that assistance 
 was so near. We had been ordered to hold the farm, and we 
 meant to do it as long as breath remained in our bodies. All 
 my men worked magnificently, and displayed remarkable cool- 
 ness, even at the moment when death stared us in the face. 
 The reports of the scouts enabled their Colonel to make his 
 disposition very carefully, and it was not long before the 
 enemy were almost completely surrounded. We afterwards 
 learnt that our reserves at Stockholm Wood had sent out a 
 battalion, which fortunately came in touch with the survivors 
 of the Sevenoaks force just as they opened a desperate 
 onslaught upon the enemy. 
 
 "With the fierce flames and blinding smoke from the
 
 o 
 
 1 6 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 burning stacks belching in our faces, we fought on with fire 
 around us on every side. As the fire drew nearer to us the 
 heat became intense, the showers of sparl^s galled us almost 
 as much as the enemy's bullets, and some of us had our eye- 
 brows and hair singed by the fierce flames. Indeed, it was as 
 much as we could do to keep our ammunition from exploding ; 
 nevertheless we kept up our stream of lead, pouring volley 
 after volley upon those who had attacked us. Nevertheless, 
 with such a barrier of flame and obscuring smoke between us 
 we could see but little in the darkness beyond, and we all 
 knew that if we emerged from cover we should be picked off 
 easily and not a man would survive. The odds were against 
 lis. More than twenty of my brave fellows had fired their last 
 shot, and now lay with their dead upturned faces looking 
 ghastly in the brilliant glare, while a number of others had 
 sunk back wounded. The heat was frightful, the smoke 
 stifling, and I had just given up all hope of relief, and had 
 set my teeth, determined to die like an Englishman should, 
 when we heard a terrific volley of musketry at close quarters, 
 and immediately afterwards a dozen British bugles sounded 
 the charge. The scene of carnage that followed was terrible. 
 Our comrades gave one volley from their magazines rifles, and 
 then charged with the bayonet, taking the enemy completely 
 by surprise. 
 
 "The Frenchmen tried to rally, but in vain, and among 
 those huge burning barns and blazing ricks they all fell or 
 were captured. Dozens of them struggled valiantly till the 
 last ; but, refusing to surrender, they were slaughtered amid a 
 most frightful scene of blood and fire. The events of that 
 night were horrible, and the true extent of the losses on both 
 sides was only revealed when the flames died down and the 
 parting clouds above heralded another grey and toilsome day." 
 
 Late on the previous evening the advance guard of the 
 enemy proceeding north towards Caterham came in touch with 
 the defenders north of Godstone. The French cavalry had 
 seized Eed Hill Junction Station at sundown, and some of 
 their scouts suddenly came upon a detatched post of the
 
 Ti!K Day or Reckoning 317 
 
 17th Middlesex Voluuteeis at Tyler's Green, close to God- 
 stone. A very sharp skirmish ensued, but the Volunteers, 
 although suffering severe losses, held their own, and the 
 cavalry went olf along the Oxted Eoad. This being reported 
 to the British General, special orders were at once sent to Coh 
 Trotter, the commander of this section of the outpost line. 
 
 From the reports of the inhabitants and of scouts sent 
 out in plain clothes, it was believed that the French intended 
 massing near Tandridge, and that they would therefore wait for 
 supports before attempting to break through our outpost line, 
 which still remained intact from the high ground east of 
 Leatherhead to the hills north of Sevenoaks. During the 
 night Oxted and Godstone were occupied by the enemy, and 
 early in the morning their advance guard, consisting of four 
 battalions of infantry, a squadron of cavalry, a battalion of 
 Zouaves, and a section of field artillery, proceeded north in 
 two columns, one along the Eoman road leading past Eook's 
 Nest, and the other past Flinthall Farm. 
 
 At the latter place the sentries of the 17th Middlesex fell 
 back upon their piquets, and both columns of the enemy came 
 into action simultaneously. The French infantry on the high 
 road soon succeeded in driving back the Volunteer piquet upon 
 the supports, under Lieut. Michaelis, stationed at the junction 
 of the Eoman road with that leading to Godstone Quarry. A 
 strong barricade with two deep trenches in front had here been 
 constructed, and as soon as the survivors of the piquet got 
 under cover, two of the defenders' machine guns opened fire 
 i'rom behind the barricade, assisted at the same moment by a 
 battery on Gravelly Hill. 
 
 The French artillery had gone on towards Flinthall Farm, 
 but in passing the north edge of Eook's Nest Park their horses 
 were shot by some Inniskilling Fusiliers lying in ambush, and 
 by these two reverses, combined with the deadly fire from 
 the two machine guns at the farm, the column was very 
 quickly thrown into confusion. It was then decided to make 
 a counter attack, and tlie available companies at this section 
 of the outpost line, under Col. Brown and Col. Eoche, sue-
 
 3i8 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 ceeded, after nearly two hours' hard fighting, in retaking 
 Godstone and Oxted, compelling the few survivors of the 
 enemy's advance guard to fall back to Blindley Heath. 
 
 In the meantime our troops occupying the line from 
 
 THE BATTLE OF CATERHAM : PLAN OF THE BKITISH POSITIONS. 
 
 Halstead to Chatham and Maidstone went down into battle, 
 attacking the French right wing at the same time as the 
 Indians were attacking their left, while the Volunteers from 
 the Surrey Hills engaged the main body. The day was
 
 The Day of Reckoning 319 
 
 blazing hot, the roads dusty, and there was scarce a breath of 
 wind. So hot, indeed, was it, that many on both sides fell 
 from hunger, thirst, and sheer starvation. Yet, although the 
 force of the invaders was nearly twice the numerical strength 
 of the defenders, the latter fought on with undaunted courage, 
 striking their swift, decisive blows for England and their 
 Queen. 
 
 The enemy, now driven into a triangle, fought with 
 demoniacal strength, and that frenzied courage begotten of 
 despair. On the hills around Sevenoaks and across to the 
 valley at Otford, the slaughter of the French was fearful. 
 Britons fighting for their homes and their country were 
 determined that Britannia should still be Ruler of the World. 
 
 From Wimlet Hill the enemy were by noon totally cut up 
 and routed by the 12th Middlesex (Civil Service), under Lord 
 Bury; the 25th (Bank), under Capt. W. J. Coe, V.D.; the 
 13th (Queen's), under Col. J. W. Comerford ; the 21st 
 Middlesex, under Col. H. B. Deane, V.D.; and the 22nd, 
 under Col. W. J. Alt, V.D. Over at Oxted, however, they 
 rallied, and some brilliant charges by Cossacks, the slaughter 
 of a portion of our advance guard, and the capture of one of 
 our Volunteer batteries on Botley Hill, checked our advance. 
 
 The French, finding their right flank being so terribly cut up, 
 had suddenly altered their tactics, and were now concentrating 
 their forces upon the Volunteer position at Caterham in an 
 endeavour to break through our defensive line. 
 
 But the hills about that position held by the North London, 
 West London, South London, Surrey, and Cheshire Brigades 
 were well defended, and the General had his finger upon the 
 pulse of his command. Most of the positions had been 
 excellently chosen. Strong batteries were established at 
 Gravelly Hill by the 9th Lancashire Volunteer Artillery, 
 under Col. F. Ainsworth, V.D. ; at Harestone Farm by the 
 1st Cinque Ports, under Col. P. S. Court, V.D.; at White 
 Hill by the 1st Northumberland and the 1st Norfolk, under 
 Col. P. Watts and Col. T. Wilson, V.D.; at Botley Hill 
 by the 6th Lancashire, under Col. H. J. Robinson, V.D. ; at
 
 320 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 Tandridge Hill by the 3rd Lancashire, under Col. R W. 
 Thorn, V.D.; at Ohaldon by the 1st Newcastle, under Col. 
 W. M. Angus, V.D., who had come south after the victory at 
 the Tyneside; at Warlingham village by the 1st Cheshire, 
 commanded by Col. H. T. Brown, V.D.; at Warlingham Court 
 by the 2nd Durham, under Col. J. B. Eminson, V.D.; on 
 the Sanderstead road, near King's Wood, by the 2nd Cinque 
 Ports, under Col. W, Taylor, V.D. ; and on the railway near 
 Woldingham the 1st Sussex had stationed their armoured train 
 with 40-pounder breech-loading Armstrongs, which they fired 
 very effectively from the permanent way. 
 
 Through Limpsfield, Oxted, Godstone, Bletchingley, and 
 Nutsfield, towards Eeigate, Frenchmen and Britons fought 
 almost hand to hand. The defenders sufi'ered severely, 
 owing to the repeated charges of the French Dragoons along 
 the highway between Oxted and Godstone, nevertheless the 
 batteries of the 6th Lancashire on Tandridge Hill, which 
 commanded a wide area of country occupied by the enemy, 
 wrought frightful execution in their ranks. In this they 
 were assisted by the 17th Middlesex, under Col. W. J. 
 Brown, V.D., who with four Maxims at one period of the 
 fight surprised and practically annihilated a whole bat- 
 talion of French infantry. But into this attack on Caterham 
 the enemy put his whole strength, and from noon until four 
 o'clock the fighting along the valley was a fierce combat to 
 the death. 
 
 With every bit of cover bristling with magazine rifles, and 
 every available artillery position shedding forth a storm of 
 bullets and shell, the loss of life was awful. Invaders and 
 defenders fell in hundreds, and with burning brow and dry 
 parched throat expired in agony. The London Irish, under 
 Col. J. Ward, V.D. ; the Post Office Corps, under Col. J. Du 
 Plat Taylor, V.D., and Col. S. R Thompson, V.D.; the Inns of 
 Court, under Col. C. H. Russell, V.D.; and the Cyclists, led 
 by Major T, De B. Holmes, performed many gallant deeds, 
 and served their country well. The long, dusty highways 
 were quickly covered with the bodies of the unfortunate
 
 The Day of Reckoxixg 
 
 victims, who lay with blanched, bloodless faces and sightless 
 eyes turned upward to the burning sun. On over them rode 
 madly French cavalry and Cossacks, cutting their way into 
 the British infantry, never to return. 
 
 Just, however, as they prepared for another terrific on- 
 shiught, the guns of the 1st Cheshire battery at Warlingham 
 village thundered, and with smart section volleys added by 
 detachments of the London Scottish, under Major W. Brodie, 
 V.D., and the Artists, under Capt. "W. L. Duffield and Lieut. 
 Pott, the road was in a few minutes strewn with horses and 
 men dead and dying. 
 
 Still onward there rushed along the valley great masses of 
 French infantry, but the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Volunteer Battalions 
 of the Eoyal Fusiliers, under Col. G. C. Clark, V.D., Col. 
 A, L. Keller, and Col. L. Whewell respectively ; the 2nd 
 V. B. Middlesex Eegiment, under Col. G. Brodie Clark, V.D.; 
 the 3rd Middlesex, under Col. E. Hennell, D.8.O., late of the 
 Indian Army ; and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th West Surrey, 
 under Col. J. Freelaud, V.D., Col. G. Drewitt, V.D., Col. S. B. 
 Bevington, V.D., and Col. F. W. Haddan, V.D., engaged 
 them, and by dint of desperate effort, losing heavily all the 
 time, they defeated them, drove them back, and slaughtered 
 them in a manner that to a non-combatant was horrible and 
 appalling. Time after time, the enemy, still being harassed by 
 the British Eegulars on their riglit, charged up the valley, in 
 order to take the battery at Harestone Farm ; but on each 
 occasion few of those who dashed forward survived. The 
 dusty roads, the grassy slopes, and the ploughed lands were 
 covered with corpses, and blood draining into the springs 
 and rivulets tinged their crystal waters. 
 
 As afternoon passed and the battle continued, it was by no 
 means certain that success in tliis fierce hnal strucrcrle would 
 
 CO 
 
 lie with us. Having regard to the enormous body of invaders 
 now concentrated on the Surrey border, and striving by every 
 device to force a passage through our lines, our forces, spread 
 over such a wide area and outflanking them, were necessarily 
 weak. It was therefore only by the excellent tactics displayed
 
 ;22 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 by our officers, and the magnificent courage of the men 
 themselves, that we had been enabled to hold back these over- 
 whelming masses, which had already desolated Sussex with fire 
 and sword. 
 
 Our Eegulars operating along the old Eoman highway 
 through Blindley Heath — where the invaders were making a 
 desperate stand — and over to Lingfield, succeeded, after very 
 hard fighting, in clearing the enemy off the railway embank- 
 ment from Crowhurst along to South Park Farm, and following 
 them up, annihilated them. 
 
 Gradually, jlist at sundown, a strong division of the enemy 
 were outflanked at Godstone, and, refusing lo lay down their 
 arms, were simply swept out of existence, scarcely a single 
 man escaping. Thus forced back from, perhaps, the most 
 vulnerable point in our defences, the main body of the enemy 
 were then driven away upon Eedhill, still fighting fiercely. 
 Over Redstone Hill, through Mead Vale, and across Reigate 
 Park to the Heath, the enemy were shot down in hundreds 
 by our Regulars ; while our Volunteers, whose courage never 
 deserted them, engaged the French in hand-to-hand encounters 
 through the streets of Eedhill and Reigate, as far as Underbill 
 Park. 
 
 In Hartswood a company of the 4th East Surrey Rifles, 
 under Major S. B. Wheaton, V.D., were lying in ambush, when 
 suddenly among the trees they caught glimpses of red, baggy 
 trousers, and scarlet, black-tasselled fezes, and a few seconds 
 later they found that a large force of Zouaves were working 
 through the wood. A few moments elapsed, and the combat 
 commenced. The Algerians fought like demons, and with 
 bullet and bayonet inflicted terrible punishment upon us ; but 
 as they emerged into the road preparatory to firing a volley 
 into the thickets, they were surprised by a company of the 
 2nd Volunteer Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment, under 
 Capt. Pott, who killed and wounded half their number, and 
 took the remainder prisoners. 
 
 Gradually our Volunteer brigades occupying the long range 
 of hills united with our Regulars still on the enemy's right
 
 The Day of Reckoning 
 
 from Eeigate to Crawley, and closed down upon the foe, 
 slowly narrowing the sphere of their operations, and by degrees 
 forcing them back due westward. Eussians and French, who 
 had attacked Dorking, had by this time been defeated with 
 heavy loss, and by dusk the main body had been thrown back 
 to Newdigate, where in Eeffold's Copse one or two very sanguin- 
 ary encounters occurred. These, however, were not always in 
 our favour, for the Civil Service Volunteers here sustained very 
 heavy losses. On the railway embankment, and on the road 
 running along the crest of the hill to Dorking, the French 
 made a stand, and there wrought frightful execution among our 
 men with their machine guns. Around Beare Green, Trout's 
 Farm, and behind the " White Hart " at Holmwood, the enemy 
 rapidly brought their guns into play, and occupied such strong 
 strategic positions that as night drew on it became evident that 
 they intended to remain there until the morrow. 
 
 The defenders had but little cover, and consequently felt 
 the withering fire of the French very severely. The latter had 
 entrenched themselves, and now in the darkness it was difficult 
 for our men to discern their exact position. Indeed, the 
 situation of our forces became very serious and unsafe as night 
 proceeded ; but at length, about ten o'clock, a strong force of 
 British Eegulars, including the Sikhs and a detachment of 
 Australians, swept along the road from Dorking, and came 
 suddenly upon the French patrols. These were slaughtered 
 with little resistance, and almost before the enemy were aware 
 of it, the whole position was completely surrounded. 
 
 Our men then used their field search-lights with very great 
 advantage ; for, as the enemy were driven out into the open, 
 they were blinded by the glare, and fell an easy prey to British 
 rifles; while the Frenchmen's own machine guns were turned 
 upon them with frightful effect, their battalions being literally 
 mowed down by the awful hail of bullets.
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 " FOR ENGLAND ! " 
 
 HEOUGH the whole night the battle still raged 
 furiously. The enemy fought on with reckless, 
 unparalleled daring. Chasseurs and Zouaves, 
 Cuirassiers, Dragoons, and infantry from the 
 Loire and the Ehone struggled desperately, 
 contesting every step, and confident of 
 ultimate victory. 
 
 But the enemy had at last, by the splendid tactics of 
 the defenders, been forced into a gradually contracting square, 
 bounded by Dorking and Guildford in the north, and Horsham 
 and Billinghurst in the south, and soon after midnight, with a 
 concentric movement from each of the four corners, British 
 Regulars and Volunteers advanced steadily upon the foe, 
 surrounding and slaughtering them. 
 
 The horrors of that night were frightful ; the loss of life 
 on every hand enormous. Britannia had husbanded her full 
 strength until this critical moment ; for now, when the fate of 
 her Empire hung upon a single thread, she sent forth her 
 valiant sons, who fell upon those who had desecrated and 
 destroyed their homes, and wreaked a terrible vengeance. 
 
 Through the dark, sultry hours this awful destruction of 
 life continued with unabated fury, and many a Briton closed 
 with his foe in death embrace, or fell forward mortally 
 wounded. Of British heroes there were many that night, for 
 true pluck showed itself everywhere, and Englishmen per- 
 
 321
 
 BRITISH BI.rF,IACKF.T.-; MAUrniN'O THROUGH THF. STRAND AFTER THE VICTORY,
 
 " For England ! " 
 
 o^:) 
 
 formed many deeds worthy their traditions as the most 
 coiiraffeous and undaunted among nations. 
 
 Although the French Commander-in-chief had been killed, 
 yet the enemy still fouglit on tenaciously, holding their ground 
 on Leith Hill and through Pasture Wood to Wotton and 
 Abiuger, until at length, when the saffron streak in the sky 
 heralded another blazing day, the straggling, exhausted remnant 
 of the once-powerful legions of France and Russia, perspiring, 
 dust-covered, and blood-stained, finding they stood alone, and 
 that the whole of Sussex and Surrey had been swept and their 
 comrades slaughtered, laid down their arms and eventually 
 surrendered. 
 
 After these three breathless days of butchery and bloodshed 
 England was at last victorious ! 
 
 In this final struggle for Britain's freedom the invader had 
 been crushed and his power broken ; for, thanks to our gallant 
 citizen soldiers, the enemy that had for weeks overrun our 
 smiling land like packs of hungry wolves, wantonly burning 
 our homes and massacring the innocent and unprotected, had 
 at length met with their well-merited deserts, and now lay 
 spread over the miles of pastures, cornfields, and forests, stark, 
 cold, and dead. 
 
 Britain had at last vanquished the two powerful nations 
 that had sought by ingenious conspiracy to accomplish her 
 downfall. 
 
 Thousands of her brave sons had, alas ! fallen while fight- 
 ing under the British flag. Many of the principal streets of 
 her gigantic capital were only parallel lines of gaunt, blackened 
 ruins, and many of her finest cities lay wrecked, shattered, and 
 desolate; yet this terrible ordeal had happily not weakened 
 her power one iota, nor had she been ousted from her proud 
 position as chief among the miglity Empires of the world. 
 
 Three days after the great and decisive battle of Caterham, 
 the British troops, with their compatriots from the Cape, 
 Australia, Canada, and India, entered London triumphantly, 
 bringing with them some thousands of French and Eussian 
 prisoners. In the streets, as, ragged and dusty, Britain's
 
 J 
 
 26 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 defenders passed through on their way to a great Open-Air 
 Thanksgiving Service in Hyde Park, there were scenes of the 
 wildest enthusiasm. With heartfelt gratitude, the people, 
 scrambling over the debris heaped each side of the streets, 
 cheered themselves hoarse; the men grasping the hands of 
 Volunteers and veterans, and the women, weeping for joy, 
 raising the soldiers' hands to their lips. The glad tidings of 
 victory caused rejoicings everywhere. England, feeling herself 
 free, breathed again. In every church and chapel through the 
 United Kingdom special Services of Thanksgiving for deliver- 
 ance from the invaders' thrall were held, while in every town 
 popular fetes were organised, and delighted Britons gaily 
 celebrated their magnificent and overwhelming triumph. 
 
 In this disastrous struggle between nations France had 
 suffered frightfully. Paris, bombarded and burning, capitulated 
 on the day following the battle of Caterham, and the legions of 
 the Kaiser marched up the Boulevards with their brilliant cavalry 
 uniforms flashing in the sun. Over the Hotel de Ville, the 
 Government buildings on the Quai d'Orsay, and the Ministries 
 of War and Marine, the German flag was hoisted, and waved 
 lazily in the autumn breeze, while the Emperor William himself 
 had an interview with the French President at the Elys^e. 
 
 That evening all France knew that Paris had fallen. In a 
 few days England was already shipping back to Dieppe and 
 Pdga her prisoners of war, and negotiations for peace had 
 commenced. As security against any further attempts on 
 England, Italian troops were occupying the whole of Southern 
 France from Grenoble to Bordeaux; and the Germans, in 
 addition to occupying Paris, had established their headquarters 
 in Moghilev, and driven back the Army of the Tsar far beyond 
 the Dnieper. 
 
 From both France and Eussia, Germany demanded huge 
 indemnities, as well as a large tract of territory in Poland, and 
 the whole of the vast Champagne country from Givet, on the 
 Belgian frontier, down to the Saone. 
 
 Ten days later France was forced to accept the prelimin- 
 aries of a treaty which we proposed. This included the
 
 For England!" 327 
 
 cession to us of Algiers, with its docks and harbour, so that we 
 might establish another naval station in the Mediterranean, 
 and the payment of an indemnity of £250,000,000. Our 
 demands upon Kussia at the same time were that she should 
 withdraw all her troops from Bokhara, and should cede to us 
 the whole of that portion of the Trans-Caspian territory lying 
 between the mouths of the Oxus and Kizil Arvat, thence along 
 the Persian frontier to Zulfikai, along the Afghan frontier to 
 Karki, and from there up the bank of the Oxus to the Aral 
 Sea. This vast area of land included the cities of Khiva and 
 Merv, the many towns around Kara Khum, the country of the 
 Kara Turkomans, the Tekeh and the Yomuts, and the annexa- 
 tion of it by Britain would effectually prevent the Eussians 
 ever advancing upon India. 
 
 Upon these huge demands, in addition to the smaller ones 
 by Italy and Austria, a Peace Conference was opened at 
 Brussels without delay, and at length France and her Mus- 
 covite ally, both vanquished and ruined, were compelled to 
 accept the proposals of Britain and Germany, 
 
 Hence, on November 16th, 1897, the Treaty of Peace was 
 signed, and eight days later was ratified. Then the huge forces 
 of the Kaiser gradually withdrew into Germany, and the 
 soldiers of King Humbert recrossed the Alps, while we shipped 
 back the remainder of our prisoners, reopened our trade routes, 
 and commenced rebuilding our shattered cities.
 
 CHAPTER XLL 
 
 DAWN 
 
 RAW, cold December morning in London. 
 With the exception of a statuesque seutiy on 
 the Horse Guards' Parade, the wide open space 
 was deserted. It had not long been light, and 
 a heavy yellow mist still hung over the grass 
 in St. James's Park. 
 A bell clanged mournfully. Big Ben chimed the hour, and 
 then boomed forth eight o'clock. An icy wind swept across 
 the gravelled square. The bare, black branches of the stunted 
 trees creaked and groaned, and the lonely sentry standing at 
 ease before his box rubbed his hands and shivered. 
 
 Suddenly a side door opened, and there emerged a small 
 procession. Slowly there walked in front a clergyman bare- 
 headed, reciting with solemn intonation the Burial Service. 
 Behind him, with unsteady step and bent shoulders, a tremb- 
 ling man with blanched, haggard face, and a wild look of terror 
 in his dark, deep-sunken eyes. He wore a shabby morning-coat 
 tightly buttoned, and his hands in bracelets of steel were 
 behind his back. 
 
 Glancing furtively around at the grey dismal landscape, he 
 shuddered. Beside and behind him soldiers tramped on in silence. 
 The officer's sword grated along the gravel. 
 Suddenly a word of command caused them to halt against 
 a wall, and a sergeant, stepping forward, took a handkerchief 
 and tied it over the eyes of the quivering culprit, who now 
 stood with his back against the wall. Another word from the 
 
 328
 
 EXECUTIOX OF VOX BEILSTEIX OS THE HOUSE GUARDS* PARADE.
 
 Dawn 329 
 
 officer, and the party receded some distance, leaving the man 
 alone. The monotonous nasal utterances of the chaplain still 
 sounded as four privates advanced, and, halting, stood in single 
 rank before the prisoner. 
 
 They raised their rifles. There was a momentary pause. 
 In the distance a dog howled dismally. 
 
 A sharp word of command broke tlie quiet. 
 
 Then, a second later, as four rifles rang out simultaneously, 
 the condemned man tottered forward and fell heavily on the 
 gravel, shot through the heart. 
 
 It was the spy and murderer, Karl von Beilstein ! 
 
 He had been brought from Glasgow to London in order 
 that certain information might be elicited from him, and after 
 his actions had been thoroughly investigated by a military 
 court, he had been sentenced to death. The whole of his past 
 was revealed by his valet Grevel, and it was proved that, in 
 addition to bringing the great dis;ister upon England, he had 
 also betrayed the country whose roubles purchased his 
 cunningly-obtained secrets. 
 
 Geoffrey Engleheart, although gallantly assisting in the 
 fight outside Leatherhead, and subsequently showing con- 
 spicuous bravery during the Battle of Caterham, fortunately 
 escaped with nothing more severe than a bullet wound in the 
 arm. During the searching private inquiry held at the Foreign 
 Office after peace was restored, he explained the whole of the 
 circumstances, and was severely repiimanded for his indis- 
 cretion; but as no suspicion of von Beilstein's real motive 
 had been aroused prior to the Declaration of War, and as it 
 was proved that Geoffrey was entirely innocent of any com- 
 plicity in the affair, he was, at the urgent request of Lord 
 Stanbury, allowed to resume his duties. Shortly afterwards 
 he was married to Violet Vayne, and Sir Joseph, having re- 
 covered those of his ships that had been seized by the Piussian 
 Government, was thereby enabled to give his daughter a hand- 
 some dowry. 
 
 The young French clerk who had been engaged at the 
 Admiralty, and who had committed murder for gold, escaped 
 
 23
 
 The Great War in England in 1897 
 
 to Spain, and, after being hunted by English and Spanish de- 
 tectives for many weeks, he became apparently overwhelmed 
 by remorse. Not daring to show himself by day, nor to claim 
 the money that had been promised him, he had tramped on 
 through the snow from village to village in the unfrequented 
 valleys of Lerida, while his description was being circulated 
 throughout the Continent. Cold, weary, and hungry, he one 
 night entered the Posada de las Pijorras at the little town of 
 Oliana, at the foot of the Sierra del Cadi. Calling for wine, he 
 took up a dirty crumpled copy of the Madrid Globo, three days 
 old. A paragraph, headed " The Missing Spy," caught his 
 eyes, and, reading eagerly, he found to his dismay that the 
 police were aware that he had been in Huesca a week before, 
 and were now using bloodhounds to track him ! 
 
 The paper fell from his nerveless grasp. The wine at his 
 elbow he swallowed at one gulp, and, tossing down his last real 
 upon the table, he rose and stumbled away blindly into the 
 darkness. 
 
 When the wintry dawn spread in that silent, distant valley, 
 it showed a corpse lying in the snow with face upturned. In 
 the white wrinkled brow was a small dark-blue hole from 
 which blood had oozed over the pallid cheek, leaving an ugly 
 stain. The staring eyes were wide open, with a look of un- 
 utterable horror in them, and beside the thin clenched hand 
 lay a revolver, one chamber of which had been discharged ! 
 
 The dreary gloom of winter passed, and there dawned a 
 new era of prosperity for England. 
 
 Dark days were succeeded by a period of happiness and 
 rejoicing, and Britannia, grasping her trident again, seated 
 herself on her shield beside the sea, Kuler of the Waves, Queen 
 of Nations, and Empress of the World. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 5IORRISON AND GIBB, PKINTEKS, EDINBURGH.
 
 Ready shortly, price 6s. 
 Demy 8vo, liiimlsomely Ijound in clotli gilt. 
 
 Z O R A I D A. 
 
 A ROMANCE OF THE HAREM AND THE DESERT. 
 
 Ey WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S., 
 
 AUTHOR OF " THE GUEAT WAU IN 1897." 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED BY H. PIFFARD. 
 
 Ready shortly, price 6s. 
 THE TOWER ROMANCE LIBRARY. VOL I. 
 
 h TOHQUAy CARRIAGE. 
 
 A NEW MODERN NOVEL OF TO-DAY. 
 
 By G. RAYLEIGH VICARS and EDITH VICARS. 
 
 Ready shortly, price 6s, 
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 By MRS. HENRY WYLDE. 
 
 Ready shortly. 
 Demy 8vo, handsomely bound in cloth, price 6s. 
 With numerous Illustrations by E. S. Hope, 
 
 THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR. 
 
 By GEORGE GRIFFITH, 
 
 ArXHOR OF "the ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," " 0LG.4. ROMAXOFF," ETC. 
 
 Now ready. Picture Cover. Price Is. 
 
 BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER, 
 
 A POLITICAL DREAM. 
 
 By GEOFFREY DANYERS. 
 
 A Vision of the Reunited Anglo-Saxondom asserting- the 
 
 Dominion of the Sea.
 
 Now ready. Eleventh Edition. Price 6s. 
 
 THE GREAT WAR IN ENGLAND IN 1897, 
 
 By WILLIAM LE QUEUX, F.R.G.S. 
 
 TFith Numerous lUustrations hy T. S. Crowthcr and Ccqitain 0. Field, and 
 Nine Military 3Ia2}S. 
 
 The Opinions of some Great Authorities. 
 
 The Duke of Cambridge, writing to the Author, says : "Such books cannot fail to have a 
 good effect in inducing people to think more seriously of tlie necessity which lies upon the 
 whole country to always be prepared, and to be more openhanded in giving money for the 
 means of defence." 
 
 Field Marshal Lord Wolselby says : " A pleasure to peruse it." 
 
 The Marquis of Salisbury says : " It is very realistic and interesting." 
 
 Lord George Hamilton says : " It is very striking and original." 
 
 Sir C. Dilke says : " I think it is most valuable as tending to make people realise how 
 little we are prepared for war." 
 
 Opinions of the London Press. 
 
 The Times says : " Everytliing that can spice a sensational volume." 
 The Morninq Post says ; " Few works can compare in stirring incidents or careful elabora- 
 tion of detail. ... A great deal of what he forecasts would be very likely to occur if once 
 England were in the clutches of a strong enemy, and in the matter of description wherein 
 the tumult and carnage is brought vividly before the reader. ... A clever and excitmg 
 book." 
 Thfi Standard says : " Full of excitement and realism." 
 The Globe says : " It is vigorous and rousing. . . . Will do a public service." 
 Tlie Sun says : " Mr. Le Queux' narrative is well and spiritedly written." 
 The Evening News says : "Mr. Le Queux has succeeded in a very difficult task. He has 
 brought hpme to us the dangers we expose ourselves if we neglect to maintain our Army 
 and Navy in an adequate state of efficiency." 
 
 The Daily Graphic says: "Various essays have been made to forecast the next great 
 European war, but Mr. William Le Queux' volume is certainly the most comprehensive 
 and thrilling of anything yet attempted. Regarded simply as a work of fiction, it is excit- 
 ing enough -to satisfy the most enthusiastic lover of 'blood and thunder literature. _ in 
 its more serious aspect— and it is this aspect, of course, which the author desires for it— 
 this book certainly evidences serious thought. . . . It is all very graphic and very thrilling, 
 especially the bombardment of London by the Russians, and the author has not scrupled 
 to avail himself of the latest, even of the future, resources of science." 
 
 Naval and Militani Record says : " Mr. Le Queux has special qualifications for the task. 
 He knows a great deal of our Army and Navy, and he is familiar with continental systems 
 and sentiment. The narrative is lively and spirited, and the author writes with an air of 
 conviction which is calculated to carry the reader on from beginning to end. 
 
 Admimltu and Horse Guards Gazette says: "Mr. Le Queux is a vivid writer, and his 
 work gives evidence of care and thoroughness. The chapter dealing with the march of the 
 French on London is iiarticularly fine. The author's production is the best of the kind 
 we have come across for some time. It should emphasise our old contention as to the 
 unrea,diness for active service on a prolonged campaign of the sea and land forces of the 
 Empire." 
 
 Armij and Navy Gazette says : "The story is a capital one, full of interest and incident, 
 well sustained and well told." 
 
 Tlic Idler says : "Mr. Le Queux writes brilliantly, sensibly, and with a tliorough mastery 
 of his subject."
 
 opinions of the London Press—continued. 
 
 The Sketch says: "No novel of the day comes up to Mr. Le Queux Great War m 
 England in 1S97' for excitement. From the preface to the last paragraph he has kept up 
 his prophetic heroics in maKniflcent style, and if his patriotism does not scatter our 
 indifference to our insular defences, why, then, nothing will. It is really a terrifying book. 
 Mr. Le liueux has power to shake one's nerves as he foretells hghts and slaughters m 
 peaceful suburbs." 
 
 The World says : "It serves to bring home in a very realistic fashion the horrors of a war 
 brought into our very midst." 
 
 To-Daii says : " A mastery of military and naval details is displayed with conception and 
 execution." 
 
 The Reviev: of Bevlevis says: "The story is useful as a warning, and is worked out with 
 much knowledge." 
 
 The Gentlewoman says : " Once having started, I couldn't lay it down till I had made an 
 end thereto." 
 
 'The Literary World says: "It is undoubtedly one of the books of the year. It is so 
 ingenious and so exciting, it is at once extremely technical and extremely readable, ihe 
 book is a great book, and one that no Englishman could read without a thnll. 
 
 Tlie Pvhtishers Circular says: "Mr. Le Queux shows us what will happen if we do not 
 better prepare ourselves." 
 
 Read what the Country Press say. 
 
 Manchester Evenim Xevs says : " Lovers of exciting literature will be satisfied to the full 
 
 with the graphic story." 
 Liverpool Daily Mercury says : " Extremely interesting, and well worth reading." 
 Liverpool Daily Chronicle says :— " The story is full of stirring episode." 
 Birmingham Daily Post says : " The scenes are marked with real and affecting power." 
 Sheffield Daily Tdearaph savs: "We offer criticism in no carping spirit, but as part of 
 
 our grateful acknowledgment for a brilliant, patriotic, and useful work." 
 Yorkshire Post says: "Well calculated to make the nervous tremble at every rumour of 
 
 foreign complications." 
 The Scotsman says: "Strategical and other problems are elaborately worked out. . . . 
 
 Amusing, entertaining, and exciting." 
 The North British Mail says : "It is a very powerful work." 
 Glasgow Herald says: "One of the best books we have read on a subject on which it is 
 
 only too easy to be tiresome.' 
 Glasgow Evening Nev:s says: "Whether as a romance or as a prophecy it is highly 
 
 interesting." 
 The Western Morning Nev:s says : " Very exciting reading. Of real literary merit. " 
 Bradford Daily Argxis says : " Full of interesting and exciting reading." 
 
 Read what the Foreign and Colonial Press say. 
 
 Sydney Daily Telegraph says: "The writer's capability to speak regarding his subject is 
 displayed on every page of the book. It is splendidly written." 
 
 The Belgian News says : " The book is a remarkable and a phenomenal success." 
 
 The Palladium (Newhaven, Conn.) says: "One of the most successful books of the 
 season." 
 
 "II Capitano Nemo," the well-known Italian naval writer, in L'Opinione oS Eome, says 
 that the problems put forward by Mr. Le Queux should secure the serious consideration of 
 European Governments. " It is unquestionably a most important book," he says ; " it is of 
 interest to everyone, and the minuteness of its detail is astonishing. I can recommend it 
 to the Italian public as a very startling yet highly instructive book." 
 
 The Italia Marinara says: "It is not a mere fantastic romance; it is a book to study 
 seriously, and we recommend it to the Army and Navy of Italy, for it contains many 
 valuable hints." 
 
 II Secolo says : " A very remarkable and important work. There is genius in every line. 
 The descriptions are most realistic, and it is of interest to everybody." 
 
 Ihe China Telegraph says it is "of really intense and tlirilling interest."
 
 Noiv ready. Sixth Edition. Price 6s. 
 
 Demy 8vo, baiidsomely bound in cloth gilt. 
 
 THE CAPTAIN OF THE MARY ROSE. 
 
 A TALE OF TO-MORROW. 
 By W. laird CLOWES, 
 
 U.S. NAVAL INSTITUTE. 
 
 With 60 Illustrations by the Chevalier de Martino and Fred. T. Jane. 
 
 This work has been truly described by the public press as an intensely 
 realistic and stirring romance of the near future. It describes the 
 wonderful adventures of an armour-clad cruiser, built on the Tyne, 
 which takes part in a great Naval "War that suddenly breaks out 
 between France and Great Britain. The dashing way in which the 
 vessel is handled, her narrow escapes, the boldness of her successful 
 attacks upon the enemy, and the heroic conduct of her commander and 
 crew, form altogether a narrative of most absorbing interest, and full of 
 exciting scenes and situations. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW PRESS OPINIONS. 
 
 " Deserves something more thau a mere passing notice." — TJie Times. 
 
 " Full of exciting situations. . . . Has manifold attractions for all 
 sorts of readers." — Army and Navy Gazette. 
 
 " The most notable book of the season." — Tlie Standard. 
 
 " A clever book. Mr. Clowes is pre-eminent for literary touch and 
 practical knowledge of naval affairs." — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 "Mr. W. Laird Clowes' exciting story." — Daily Telegraph. 
 
 "We read 'The Captain of the Mary Rose' at a sitting." — Tiie 
 Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 "Written with no little spirit and imagination. ... A stirring 
 romance of the future." — Manchester Guardian. 
 
 '"Is of a realistic and exciting cliaracter. . . . Designed to show 
 what the naval warfare of the future may be." — Glascjow Herald. 
 
 " One of the most interesting volumes of the year." — Liverpool 
 Journal of Commerce. 
 
 "It is well told and magnificently illustrated." — United Service 
 Magazine. 
 
 "Full of absorbing interest." — Engineers' Gazette. 
 
 "Is intensely reahstic, so much so that after commencing the story 
 every one will be anxious to read to the end." — Dundee Advertiser. 
 
 " The book is splendidly illustrated." — Northern Whig.
 
 Ninth Edition. Price 6s. 
 
 Demy Svo, liaudsomely bound in cli>th gilt. 
 
 Uniform with "The Captain of the Mary Rose," with numerous Illustrations by 
 Fred T. Jane and Edwin S. Hope. 
 
 THE ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION. 
 
 A TALE OF THE COMING TERROR. 
 
 By GEORGE GRIFFITH. 
 
 In this Romance of Love, War, and Revolution, the action takes place 
 ten years hence, and turns upon the solution of the problem of aerial 
 navigation, which enables a vast Secret Society to decide the issue of the 
 coming -world-war, for which the great nations of the earth are now preparing. 
 Battles such as have hitherto only been vaguely dreamed of are fought on 
 land and sea and in the air. Aerial navies engage armies and fleets and 
 fortresses, and fight with each other in an unsparing warfare, which has for 
 its prize the empire of the world. Unlike all other essays in prophetic 
 fiction, it deals with the events of to-morrow, and with characters familiar 
 in the eyes of living men. It marks an entii-ely new departure in fiction, 
 and opens up possibilities which may become stupendous and appalling 
 realities before the present generation of men has passed away. 
 
 A FEW FRESS OPINIONS. 
 
 " Since the days of the Arabian Nights' Entertainments, we know of no writer 
 who ' takes the cake ' like Mr. George Griffith." — Daily Chronicle. 
 
 "A really exciting and sensational i-omance. " — Literary Warkl. 
 
 " As a work of imagination it takes high rank." — Belfast News Letter. 
 
 " Full of absorbing interest." — Barrmv Herald. 
 
 " This powerful story." — Liverpool Mercury. 
 
 "An entirely new departure in tiction." — Reynolds' Newspaper. 
 
 " Of exceptional brilliancy and power." — Western Figaro. 
 
 " This remarkable story." — Weekly Times and Echo. 
 
 "There is a fascination about his book that few will be able to resist." — 
 Birmingham Gazette. 
 
 "This exciting romance." — Licensing World. 
 
 "A work of strong imaginative power." — Dundee Courier. 
 
 "We must congratulate the author upon the vividness and reality with 
 which be draws his unprecedented pictures." — Bristol Mercuiy. 
 
 "I s quite enthralling." — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 " A striking and fascinating novel." — Hampshire Telegrapli.
 
 Dorny 8vo, lumdsoinely bound iu clotli, price 6s. 
 With Frontispiece by Edwin S. Hope. 
 
 OLGA F^OMAJMOFF; 
 
 ©r, Zbc S^ren of tbe SF^ies. 
 
 By GEORGE GRIFFITH, 
 
 AUTHOR OF "the ANGEL OF THE REVOLUTION," "THE OUTLAWS OF THE AIR." 
 
 Dedicated to Mr. HIRAM S. MAXIM. 
 
 A sequel to the author's strikiug and successful romance, The 
 Angel of the Revolution, describing the efforts of a beautiful daughter 
 of the House of Romanoff to restore the throne of her ancestors 
 destroyed in the "World- War of 1904, and presenting to the reader 
 the spectacle of a world transformed into a wonderland of art and 
 science, yet trembling on the brink of a catastrophe, in _com])arison 
 with which even the tremendous clima.x; of The Angel sinks almost 
 into insiijniflcance. 
 
 SOME PRESS OPINIONS./ (^ '?S / ^ ^"^ 
 
 "Mr. George Griffith has made himself a high reputation as an imaginative 
 novelist by his brilliant romances, The Angel of the Revolution and The Syren of 
 the Skies." — Sketch. 
 
 ■ "This is quite as imaginative, as clever, and as enthralling a book as its 
 predecessor." — Glasgow Herald. 
 
 "The book is a wild one, but its wildness and imaginative boldness make it 
 uncommonly interesting. " — Scotsman. 
 
 "The flights of fancy and imagination displayed by tlie autlior show a most 
 marvellous power and conception." — Aberdeen Free Press. 
 
 " An entrancing hoo^." —Birmingham Post. 
 
 "Full of originality in its rendition. ... A marvel of imaginative strength 
 and picturesque pen painting." — European Mail. 
 
 "On the whole Mr. Griffith has published a work which to our mind is the 
 most suggestive of its kind that has been published for many ye.axs."— Admiral ti/ 
 and Horse Guards Gazette. 
 
 "The work hardly lends itself to critical remark other than the expression of 
 one's appreciation of an imaginative and glowing style likely to add to the pleasure 
 of those wlio enjoy purely speculative fiction. These pictures have a weird 
 splendour in keeping with the theme, but it is natural to desire a better future 
 for the human race than the one here prophesied."— J/o/'«iHv/ Post. 
 
 " His theme is a more tremendous one, and the incidents of his story tenfold 
 more terrible than even those awful battles in the former volume. There is the 
 same swift succession of awful calamities, the same sustained interest from title 
 pao-e to cover, and the same thread of human love running through the narrative 
 which lent its chief charm to the 'Angel of tlie Revolution.'"— I Tee^-^y Times 
 
 and Echo. . . ■, . - . , , 
 
 " By lovers of sensational writing, in which the scientific discoveries ot the 
 future are forecast, and intrigue and warfare related in realistic manner under 
 con<litions which now exist but in prophetic imagination, it will be warmly 
 welcomed. . . . The book must lie read to be ajipreciated. Description is 
 impossMe. "—Bradfard Daily Argus.
 
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