BATTLE OF BOTHASBERG.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15237, 26 February 1913, Page 8

BATTLE OF BOTHASBERG.

INTERESTING ANNIVERSARY. The anniversary of one of tho biggest engagements in tho South African War in which Now Zcalanders participated, and one in which the Seventh New Zealand Contingent distinguished itself, fell on Sunday last. This was tho Harrismith " drive," which subsequently developed into the night attack on Bothasborg. Colonel T. W. Porter, C.8., recalled this face to a Wellington reporter, and gave some interesting particulars concerning the battle-. He said that tho " drive commenced at 11.45 p.m. on February 23, 1902, and ended at 2 a.m. on February 24. The " drive " was a very long one, and the New Zealanders formed the centra] part of tho lino. It commenced towards the Cape railway line, and then changed front about into the Orange River Colony in the direction of Bothasberg. The left wing of the New Zealanders, on reversing front, became the rig-lit wing, and was with General Remington, and 'i was on this portion of the lino that the whole of the actual fighting fell when the Boers advanced under cover of some 6000 head of cattle, and attempted to rush through. The attacking force consisted of 900 men, and their object was to qct Steyn and De Wet through the net. Behind the first thousand cattle which were driven upon the post in tho valley of Holapruit were 500 Boers, and they drew the New ZeaJbnder3 ? fire upon them. Steyn and De Wet, with 209 others, fought through to a hill, intercepting General Remington's pompom on the hill. Captain Digby. in charge of this gun, was killed, and the Boers captured the piece. The gun was afterwards rushed by tho New Zealanders and retaken, thrown down a hill, and put out of action. The fight was a very strenuous one, and tho casualties on both sides were heavy. About 100 New Zealanders were opposed to the rush of 900 Boors. Six hundred and forty Boers surrendered next day, and all tho rattle were captured. The New Zealanders had 26 men killed and 41 wounded.

When the news reached England the House of Commons cheered the Now Zealai"ders._ At the conclusion of the "drive" Lord Kitchener had the contingent specially paraded, and thanked them personally for the bravery they had displayed. The" contingent was afterwards known as the "Fighting Seventh," and the officers received distinguished service medals.