DETAILS OF THE FIGHTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11202, 24 October 1899, Page 5

DETAILS OF THE FIGHTING.

By Telegraph.— As eooiation.Copyright.

Durban, October 23. General Joubert's main northern column commenced ineffectively shelling Glencoe at long range on Saturday. The British, however, are strongly entrenched. It is estimated that the Boers lost 800 at Elands Laagte, and from 1000 to 1200 at Glencoe, chiefly during the pursuit. The British losses at Elands Laagte were 160.

When Commandant Meyer's column, at the battle of Glencoe, was almost defeated, Commandant Erasmus' column, from Hottings Spruit, appeared, but the reserve battery and the Leicester Regiment promptly checked the advance of the Boers. The Maxims did much execution.

While the hill was being stormed, the Boers faced the artillery and rifle fire with great determination, but fled at the sight of the bayonets. Finding that the British cavalry caused a stampede among their horses, they made a strong stand in the valley, but finally fled in a rabble. Lieutenant-Colonel J. Sherston, on the staff of the Infantry Brigade, and Colonel Gunning, were killed in the final charge on the hill. The Elands Laagte was a brilliant engagement. The Boers occupied the rocky hills, and their position was of exceptional strength. _ I The 42nd and 21st British Batteries and the Natal Battery opened fire at 4000 yds. The duel was- a brief one. The Boer shells were well directed, and bursting well, but their guns were soon silenced, although they reopened fire on the slightest opportunity. The guns were served with great courage. During the duel mounted Boers engaged the Imperial Light Horse, retreating when the guns were turned on them. 'While the Devons attacked the front, the Manchester Regiment and Gordon Highlanders, under Colonel Hamilton, turned the left flank, rushing the position in heavy fire at nightfall facing many Boers, who defended the position with great tenacity. The Fifth Dragoons and Fifth Lancers thrice charged through the retreating Boers and did great execution. , V The wounded prisoners include General .Kock, commander of the Boers, who has since died of his wounds, • and A .General" .Joubert's nephew. 1 . 1 <-<k .f* •-r

HEAVY BOER LOSSES. TWO THOUSAND KILLED. THE ENGAGEMENT AT ELANDS LAAGTE. BRITISH LOSS 160. THE BATTLE OF GLENCOE. STORMING THE HILL. MANY GERMAN PRISONERS TAKEN. A BOER GENERAL KILLED. THE QUEEN AND THE WAR. MESSAGE TO THE TROOPS.

The prisoners are numerous, including Commander Demeillion and Colonel Shiel, commander of the German corps.

Many Germans and Hollanders are among the captured.

The train with nine British prisoners was recovered. Major-General French directed the battle.