DE WET'S CROSSING OF THE ORANGE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 54, 5 March 1901, Page 5

DE WET'S CROSSING OF THE ORANGE.

A DARING EXPLOIT

HERTZOG'S COMMANDO DISPERSED.

LO2sDOISr, March 4.

Major-General Hickman on February 26 inflicted losses on De Wet, in the vicinity of Zand Drift, where two Boers were drowned in attempting to cross the river. The attempt was then abandoned. Colonel Plumer pursued De Wet eastwards. The troops were hurried via Hanover Road to Colesberg, to try and intercept De Wet's flight. Desultory skirmishing took place at various, points in the direction of Hanielfontein Ilaig.

Lord Methuen arrived there on February 28, but the invaders had already gone. Steyn and De Wet, with 1500 men, swaru the river at Lilliefonteiu, near Colesberg bridge, on February 28. The current carried many down a considerable distance. The enemy nevertheless removed five carts and waggons, and two ambulances, but abandoned a number of horses and carts, maps of Cape Colony, and clothes. Many Boers were seen on the other side of the river riding off in a seminude condition. Nine of Nesbitt's Horse, firing from cover, wounded some of the swimmers. General Thorneycroft, after a running fight, lasting two days, galloped through and dispersed 800 of Hertzog's commando, and captured a quantity of jewellery and other loot.