THE BATTLE AT BELMONT.

Feilding Star, Volume XXI, Issue 126, 27 November 1899, Page 2

THE BATTLE AT BELMONT.

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE BAYONET. BRILLIANT ACHIEVEMENT BY GUARDS BRIGADE. THE BOERS HOIST THE WHITE FLAG. j A TREACHEROUS BOER. Telegraph. Pre3S Association. Copyright Capetown, Nov. 25. On the eve of Thursday's battle at Jielmont the Guards Brigade inarched five miles, and approaching within 2DO yards of the enemy's base. In making the attack they had to climb rocky ridges, in the face of the enemy's ■ heavy fire. They did nob reply, -using only tre ■ baj'onet. It was one of the Brigade's finest achievements. The capture of the Boers second position was notable for the straightforward fighting, bayoneting in the face of a concentrated short range fire. The Boers hoisted a white flag, Lieut. Hon. Claud Hcathcote Drummond Willoughby, of the Coldstream Guards, advancing in response to the signal, was wounded immediately. Lieut. Blundell, of the Grenadier Guards, was killed by a wounded Boer, whom he was tending. The Boevs used some Dum-Dum bullets. The Boers at Belraonb took refuge behind boulders, and fought till the last, though much disconcerted b} r the terrific fire of the British artillery. J The fighting began in the semi-dark-ness. The Boers reserved withering volleys until the Guards and Northumberlands were within 200 yards, momentarily staggering the advancing troops. The enemy was driven from the first ridge at the point of the bayonet, and steadily retreated to the second ridge, directing a terrible cross fire from the surrounding kopjes. The Coldstreams, Scots Guards, Northumberland Fusiliers, and Northamptons, amidst a hail of bullets, with the band playing and men cheering, gallantly stormed the summit, bayoneting, many Boers. A most stubborn stand was made afc the third ridge, which the Boers reached, despite a flanking movement. The position was heavily shelled, the j Naval Brigade assisting, and then rushed. | The Coldstreams especially distinguished themselves in the final charge by capturing the kopje forming the key to the position. The Boers fled in the direction of Kimberley. A deficiency of cavalry hindered in effective pursuit. Some estimates say that from six to eight thousand Boers were engaged. They occupied an immensely strong position at Kaflirscop, ten miles east of Belmont, commanding the road to Kimberley, and protected by guns excellently placed and doggedly served. The prisoners declare they considered the position impregnable, especially the final ridge, which necessitated ' a steep climb for tlje final hundred feet. The prisoners captured at Belmont ad unit that numerous marksmen were detailed to pick off officers and sergeanta, but were bewildered, o\ying io the z-e~ moyal of the distinguishing badges. The New 2sealandeis met a striking reception at Capetown. Tbey are afc present engaged at.Green Point, awaiting the arrival of the Canadian and Australian contingents, when they will all be welcomed by the Mayor, London, November 25. The Queen sent a message congratulating General Mathuen and the troops on the victory.