On the morning of the 5th of February a general parade was
ordered, and the recovered colours were trooped in front of a
general parade at Helpmakaar, when Colonel Glynn, O.B., in
most touching and affectionate terms, addressed his men, and
informed them that through the gallant and most praise-
worthy efforts of Major Black, 2-24th Regiment, the colours of
the l-24th had been found in the Buffalo river, and that the
bodies of Lieutenant Coghill and Adjutant Melville had also
been recovered, and had had a most respectful burial. He
said they had to thank Major Black for the recovery of their
XM)Iours. The men, hereupon, burst out with acclamations, and



i'2/^h Colours recovered. 117

three cheers for the gallant major, who, in reply, addressed
Colonel Glynn, G.B., and the men, and said they were giving
him too much praise ; they had not only to thank him, but the
officers of the Natal Native Contingent who accompanied him,
and who also gave him most valuable assistance in recovering
the bodies of his two brother officers, as well as the colours
of their own gallant regiment. He said, in conclusion, he
had simply done his duty. The men were then dismissed,
and this episode, so gratifying to the regiment, thus ended.
After this, I of course rode down next day to see the spot and
to visit the graves of these two young but courageous officers,
who, even in death, had shown their spirit and gallantry*
Their name and fame will long dwell in the memory of their
comrades and survivors, and be enshrined in the history of their
comitry.
