NEW ZEALANDERS GET A HEARTY RECEPTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11230, 27 November 1899, Page 5

NEW ZEALANDERS GET A HEARTY RECEPTION.

Capetown, November 25. Fuller particulars of the battle of . Belmont show that the Guards and naval brigade marched five miles and approached within 250 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. The attacking force did not reply, using only the bayonet. I*4,- ft f J One' o? the brigade's'inesl achievements was the capture of the Boers' second position. This encounter was notable for straightforward fighting and bayoneting in face o* concentrated short range fire. The Boers hoisted the white flag, and Lieutenant Hon. Claud Heathcote Drummond Willoughby, of the Coldstream Guards, while advancing ir response to the signal, was immediately wounded. Lieutenant Blundell, of the Grenadier Guards, was killed by a wounded Boer whom he was tending. The Boers used some Dum-Dum bullets. The Boers took refuge behind boulders, and fought till the last, though much disconcerted by the terrific fire of the British artillery. The fighting began in semi-dark-ness. The Boers reserved withering volleys until the Guards and Northumberlands were within 200 yards, momentarily staggering the advancing troops, The enemy were driven from the first ridge at the point of the bayonet, but steadily retreated to the second ridge, directing a terrible cross fire from the surrounding kopjes. The Coldstreams, Scots Guards, Grenadier Guards, Northumberlands, Fusiliers, and Northampton, amid a hail of bullets, and with the bands playing and men cheering, gallantly stormed the summit, bayoneting many. The most stubborn stand was made at the third ridge, which the Boers reached despite the Lancers' flanking movement. The position was heavily shelled, the naval brigade assisting, and was then rushed. The Coldstreams especially distinguished themselves in the final charge, capturing the kopje forming the key of the position. The Boers fled in the direction of Kimberley, the deficiency of cavalry hindering an effective pursuit. Some estimates state that 6000 to 8000 Boers were engaged. They occupied an immensely strong position at Kaifirskop, 10 j miles east of Belmont, commanding the road to Kimberley, and pro-: tected 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 the final hundred feet. The prisoners include a German commandant and six field cornets. The Boers at Belmont have retired and occupied a strongly-entrenched position at Modder River. Capetown, November 26. The prisoners captured at Belmont admit that numerous marksmen were detailed to pick off the officers and sergeants, but were Bewildered owing to the removal of the distinguishing badges. London, November 25. The Queen sent a message congratulating Lord-.Methuen and the tioops on their victory*

By Tolograph.— Association.—Copyright.