362 
O.C., R.A., IN THE FIELD. 
them, tlie best way, the way by commanding their own brigades in the 
field. The late General Tombs attained high command, without 
qualifying on the staff; and, surely, he was a bright example of what 
a general officer ought to be, an example in all things in quarters and 
in the field, but especially in the facility with which he could handle 
troops. Few officers can hope to rival Tombs in merit; but our horse 
and field artillery are very good schools, and a limited career should 
not be the portion of the officers who are trained there. 
Note. —The action fought last year near Gaudamak showed the 
advantage possessed by officers trained in cavalry or field artillery. 
With one battalion, four guns and four weak squadrons, we attacked 
5000 Khugianis in a good position. It was rather late in the afternoon, 
and we were three miles from camp, but we had to fight then and 
there : all the country round was up and awaiting the result: we had 
to win and to win quickly. Fortunately, our troops were extremely 
well handled. Brigadier-General Charles Gough of the Bengal cavalry 
commanded, and his brigade major and orderly officers were 
10th Hussars; Major Hon. A. Stewart, B.H.A., manoeuvred his guns 
perfectly; and the late Major Battye of the Guides cavalry charged 
at the very moment. 
24th August, 1880. 
