Colonel Plumer's Gallant but Ill-Fated Attempt to Relieve Mafeking from the North. 1900.

For Sale is a Double Page removed from "The Graphic, June 2nd, 1900," showing a Drawing by Frank Dadd, R.I., from a sketch by Frank J. Mackenzie, for "Colonel Plumer's Gallant but Ill-Fated Attempt to Relieve Mafeking from the North."

On March 31 a severe engagement between part of Colonel Plumer's Force, consisting of 207 mounted men, and the Boers, took place between Ramathlabama and Mafeking, about six miles from the latter place.  The engagement lasted from three o'clock till six in the afternoon.  The enemy, who were in great force, outflanked Colonel Plumer on both sides, persistently attempting to encircle him and compelled him to withdraw gradually on Ramathlabama, a distance of ten miles, and subsequently to the base camp.  The retirement was well carried out, the squadrons falling back in succession under heavy fire in good order, but there were many casualties.  Lieutenant Frank Milligan, Rhodesian Regiment, was killed, Captain Maclaren, 13 Hussars, was captured, while Captain Fred Crewe, Southern Rhodesian Volunteers, lost his life through going back to bring in a trooper whose horse was killed.  Seven non-commissioned officers and men were killed, about twenty-five were wounded, and seven were missing.  The fight was conducted under Colonel Plumer's side under great difficulties.  It took place in the proximity of the Boer laagers, from which reinforcements of men and guns could promptly be sent.  At the point where the engagement began there was little cover available for the British force, the veldt being but sparsely wooded.  The railway embankment was the chief protection.  The Rhodesians, nevertheless, behaved with the greatest gallantry.  With the exception of a few rounds fired by the British at Ramathlabama, the fire on both sides was entirely rifle fire.  Nearly half of the officers of the relieving force were hurt more or less severely.  Colonel Plumer was slightly wounded in the right arm, and his horse was shot under him.

Condition is Very Good.