LO VAT'S SCOUTS DISASTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXII, Issue 259, 9 November 1901, Page 5

LO VAT'S SCOUTS DISASTER.

ROUTED BY KRITZINGEK

ALIWAL NORTH, September 23 (Cape "Times" special correspondent). Kritzing-ers commando inflicted a serious reverse on Lovat's Scouts on Friday last, as the result of a nightj surprise at Elandskloof, in the Kns-I tron . district of the Orange Jiiverl Colony. I A company of about SO men were detached from Lord Lovat's command ■ of the main body, under Colonel IMurray, and bivouacked i'or the night to await a junction with the remainder of the contingent. The position taken up was at the J'uot of a kopje, a piquet being- posted on the hill. i

The first grim intimation of danger which the company received was a sharp hail of bullets into their bivouac, and several casualties had occurred before the men were able to get on their feet.

The gallant colonel was one of the first to realise tlte .situation, and in spite of the darkness and consequent confusion, had quickly rallied his men. who secured their arms, and g-ot into the best positions available around the waggons and the two guns—a la-pounder and a Colt.

It was found that the Boers, who were in considerable strength, had rushed through the lines, and were filing at close range. Although this was their first engagement (the contingent having only come out from Scotland a few weeks since), the Scouts, in spite of the dilHculties of the situation and the odds against them, returned the Boer fire with vigour.

The enemy, at .short range, kept up their assault, and men were fulling' on every hand. Colonel Murray encouraged the men by both word and example, and his "Give it to them, lads," could be heard above the terrible din. It was not found possible to make use of the 15-pounder, so the gunners pluckily got the Colt to work, this basing- the effect of staying the onslaught somewhat.

On both sides a sharp fire was maintained, and both Colonel Murray and his cousin, Captain and Adjutant Murray, were shot down in quick succession, the brave colonel falling by the waggons with the words "Fix bayonets!" on his lips and a bullet through his heart. In the face of almost overwhelming opposition, the Scotchmen did their best, and it was not until seven artillerymen were lying dead by their gun that the working of the Colt had to be abandoned. "Hand oveif your money, you d • khakis," was heard from the Boers, who were so ruthless as to strip clothing from the stricken men, and after the fight Captain Murray's dead body was found almost entirely stripped. The Scouts were not strong enough, after such a depletion of their numbers, to keep the Boers from captur-, ing the 15-pounder, but they success-' fully withstood, the attempt to take the Colt, and also retained possession! of the waggons and ammunitionj carts, which were probably the chief; aim of the Boers. When the enemy retired, possibly fearing the arrival of reinforcements, they left five dead in the lines, but the casualties among the Scouts were severe indeed.

Ten men were killed, including the two officers mentioned, and thirty lay wounded, some very severely. Of the latter, two died whilst being conveyed to the Aliwal North hospital. This town was too far distant for the transfer of the dead officers, so they were buried near their men. <>