Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Despatches from South Africa recount an instance of magnificent breavery ont he part of two Tasmanian troopers.  Private Warburton and Private Brownell, who while on scouting duty, were intercepted by a patrol of 22 Boers, and called upon to surrender.  For reply the Tasmanians dismounted, sought shelter behind some trees, and opened fire upon the Boers.  Three times the Boers charged the position, and three time the two Tasmanians drove them back with loss.  Finally, owing to the flanking tactics of their assailants, the wood became untenable for the Tasmanians, who then shot their horses to obtain cover, thus abandoning their means of escape.  At last a bullet struck Warburton on the head, inflicing a mortal wound, from which he died shortly afterwards.  Brownell stood by his dying comrade, continuing the unequal struggel till his last cartridge was exhausted, although a Boer bullet had pierced his shoulder earlier in the conflict.  Then the brave fellow usrrendered, and, having been stripped of his arms and uniform, was released by the Boers.