William Bellairs

When in the following year, it was considered necessary to break the power of the Zulus, Colonel Bellairs was attached to the staffs first of Lord Chelmsford and then of Lord Wolseley, and commanded the laager for the protection of the column train during the engagement at Ulundi. He was repeatedly mentioned in despatches, was especially brought to the notice of the Secretary of State by Sir [[Bartle Frere]], and was created a Knight Commander of the [[Order of St Michael and St George]] (KCMG),{{London Gazette |issue= 25111 |date=24 May 1882 |page=2461 |supp=y }} also receiving a medal with clasp and being selected for a reward for distinguished service.

When in the following year, it was considered necessary to break the power of the Zulus, Colonel Bellairs was attached to the staffs first of Lord Chelmsford and then of Lord Wolseley, and commanded the laager for the protection of the column train during the engagement at Ulundi. He was repeatedly mentioned in despatches, was especially brought to the notice of the Secretary of State by Sir [[Bartle Frere]], and was created a Knight Commander of the [[Order of St Michael and St George]] (KCMG),{{London Gazette |issue= 25111 |date=24 May 1882 |page=2461 |supp=y }} also receiving a medal with clasp and being selected for a reward for distinguished service.

He then served as military commander and civil administrator in the [[Colony of Natal]]. When affairs in the Transvaal assumed a threatening aspect in like capacity in the latter territory—a work which gave full scope for the exercise of tact, combined with energy and soundness of judgment. In speaking of this phase in the career of Sir William Bellairs, it would be futile to revive the memory of strife and controversy, since subsequent events have brought about an adjustment which promises well for the future of the white races interested in the welfare of South Africa. Suffice it to recall the indefatigable energy and resource displayed by Sir William Bellairs in making provision for the defence of the various garrisons in the Transvaal, and his own direction of affairs during the three months' [[Siege of Pretoria]], for which he received the special thanks of the Commander-in-Chief.

He then served as military commander and civil administrator in the [[Colony of Natal]]. When affairs in the Transvaal assumed a threatening aspect in like capacity in the latter territory. In speaking of this phase in the career of Sir William Bellairs, it would be futile to revive the memory of strife and controversy, since events have brought about an adjustment which promises well for the future of the white races interested in the welfare of South Africa. Suffice it to recall the energy and resource displayed by Sir William Bellairs in making provision for the defence of the various garrisons in the Transvaal, and his own direction of affairs during the three months' [[Siege of Pretoria]], for which he received the thanks of the Commander-in-Chief.

He was promoted [[Major-General (British Army)|major-general]] in September 1884, and retired from the active list with the honorary rank of [[Lieutenant-general (British Army)|lieutenant-general]] in December 1887. He was appointed Colonel of the [[Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire Regiment)]] on 19 July 1902,{{London Gazette| issue=27475|page=6021|date=19 September 1902}} and transferred to his old regiment, now the Royal Berkshire Regiment, on 9 June 1905.{{London Gazette|issue=27821|date=25 July 1905|page=5145}}

He was promoted [[Major-General (British Army)|major-general]] in September 1884, and retired from the active list with the honorary rank of [[Lieutenant-general (British Army)|lieutenant-general]] in December 1887. He was appointed Colonel of the [[Sherwood Foresters (Derbyshire Regiment)]] on 19 July 1902,{{London Gazette| issue=27475|page=6021|date=19 September 1902}} and transferred to his old regiment, now the Royal Berkshire Regiment, on 9 June 1905.{{London Gazette|issue=27821|date=25 July 1905|page=5145}}