It was not their fortune to be present at any of the larger battles of the war, but few bodies of troops have returned to England with a finer record of hard and useful service.
No sooner, however, had Methuen laid down one weapon than he snatched up another.

Having refitted his men and collected some of the more efficient of the new Yeomanry, he was off once more for a three weeks' circular tour in the direction of Zeerust.

It is difficult to believe that the oldest inhabitant could have known more of the western side of the Transvaal, for there was hardly a track which he had not traversed or a kopje from which he had not been sniped.

Early in August he had made a fresh start from Mafeking, dividing his force into two columns, the command of the second being given to Von Donop.

Having joined hands with Fetherstonhaugh, he moved through the south-west and finally halted at Klerksdorp.