The Russian Military Attache has borne witness to the "unprecedented"
mobility of Lord Roberts's army. To this testimony must now be added that of Count Adalbert von Sternberg, the Austrian officer who was captured in General Cronje's laager at Paardeberg, and who has now paid a very handsome tribute to the morale of the British Army. " The British Army," he said to a Paris correspondent of the Daily Mail, "is a splendid body of gentlemen, and, believe me, I allude not only to the officers, but to the men. For ' Tommy Atkins' I have the sincerest admiration and respect. He is a fine, healthy, straight-thinking gentleman, and I admire and love him, as every soldier must." Whatever criticisms might be passed on English discipline in peace time, in war and under fire it was "simply perfect." In regard, however, to drilling and general training, he found our soldiers bad much to seek. They had no idea of how to use and how to keep cover, and advanced in too close order. The main fault was constitutional in the English generals, and inherent in the English character. " They must have everything at once, and rush straight at it. The necessary precautions for their men's safety play no part at all in their tactical methods. They over-work, over-rush, and over-fight the men, and I may safely say that the only exception to this almost general rule is Lord Roberts." After some further criticisms on our lack of light cavalry, Count von Sternberg condemned lyddite as absolutely ineffective, and after his ten days' experiences at Paardeberg his verdict carries undeniable weight.
Previous page
