Just of of Interest. “Steady, The Buffs”

Subject: Just of of Interest. “Steady, The Buffs” Mon Jun 24, 2013 3:01 pm

"This famous cry has been rumoured by many to have been uttered on the field of battle, but it was actually born on a garrison parade ground. In 1858, the 2nd Battalion was stationed in Malta and quartered with the 21st Royal (North British) Fusiliers. Lieutenant John Cotter, Adjutant of the 2nd Buffs,2 had formerly served as a Sergeant Major. Lieutenant Cotter would not brook any disarray on the parade ground from his raw recruits, shouting "Steady, The Buffs! The Fusiliers are watching you!" This greatly amused the Fusiliers who took to calling out “Steady, The Buffs!” on the slightest provocation, first in Malta and later whenever the two regiments met from then on. The phrase caught on and was soon shouted whenever The Buffs marched by. It then passed into common usage, even appearing in Rudyard Kipling's novel Soldiers Three (1888)"

Posts : 1851 Join date : 2009-03-25

Wasn't there a Cotter from the Buffs with Pearsons column?

Posts : 420 Join date : 2011-05-14

24th,

There were a few men with the surname of Cotter in the Anglo-Zulu War:

Pte. 25B/1048 James Cotter, 2nd/24th.

Gunner J. Cotter, 7th/8th Royal Artillery.

Chief Boatswain J. Cotter H.M.S. 'Active' (He served in No. 1 Column under Pearson.) Had charge of the rockets at the Battle of Nyezane 22nd January 1879. Formed part of garrison at Eshowe until it relief. Afterwards joined H. H. Crealock's Division and advanced to Port Durnford.

Private 25B/2755 M. Cotter, 2nd/24th.

Corporal William Cotter, 17th Lancers killed in action on 30th June 1879 whilst on despatch duty between Fort Evelyn and Fort Marshall.

'Jimu

Posts : 1851 Join date : 2009-03-25

Thanks Jim. Who was the chap killed at Eshowe. He was sent out to observe enermy movements.

Posts : 2583 Join date : 2009-04-24

24th I think your referring to a Chap called Pte Kent.. But don't quote me?

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Subject: British Regt's served in the zulu war Tue Jun 25, 2013 2:30 am

From memory Pte Kent was the only soldier to die at Eshowe killed by zulu's , I'm certain he was either on the way, or on Piquet duty at the time. A couple of others I think had lucky escapes .
90th