Men of the Naval Brigade manning 12-pounder guns, Natal, 1900 circa (b/w photo)

Men of the Naval Brigade manning 12-pounder guns behind an earth bank, Claremont, Natal, 1900 circa. Photograph, Boer War, 1900 circa. The Royal Navy often took part in land operations to assist the Army. These landing parties were called Naval Brigades. The guns of HMS ‘Terrible’ and HMS ‘Tartar’ were especially important during the campaign in Natal. The 12-pounder guns from both vessels were dragged across almost 200 miles of rough terrain from Durban to Ladysmith in October 1899. Today’s Royal Navy field gun competition commemorates this remarkable feat. One of two photographs associated with the Naval Brigade, 1900 circa.