The Vryheid Disaster.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9825, 26 July 1900, Page 8

The Vryheid Disaster.

Some Stirring Incidents.

Some moving incidents are reported in connection with the Vryheid disaster, in which E Squadron of Bethune's Mounted Infantry was ambushed and cut to pieces. Lieutenant Lanham had been heard to declare repeatedly that he would never fall into the hands of the Boers alive. This was probably owing to his shameful treatment at the hands of the Boers at Krugersdorp shortly before the war was declared. Lanham was as good as his word, and when called upon to surrender he shot his would-be captor and also another Boer. He then fell, riddled with bullets.

As showing how greatly the Queen's chocolate is prized, Trumpeter Wilson, who had his horse shot under him, was making good hi 3 escape when he remembered that his chocolate was in his saddlebag. He went back through a hail of bullets and secured the chocolate ; holding it up gleefully he exclaimed, " I've got my chocolate anyhow." After the disaster Colonel Bethune addressed the regiment. His voice was choked with emotion. He said that the men of the E Squadron died like heroes. He declined to say anything as to the cause ot the disaster.