A MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8362, 24 February 1913, Page 7

A MEMORABLE ANNIVERSARY

BATTLE OF BOTH ASBERG. WHERE “FIGHTING SEVENTH” MADE THEIR NAME. Last night was the anniversary oi one of the biggest engagements in the South. African war in which Now "f' a " landers participated, and one m which the Seventh Now Zealand Contingent distinguished itself. This was the Tiairismith “drive,” which subsequently developed into the night attack on Bothasborg. Colonel T. W. Porter, C. 8., recalled this fact to a “Times” reporter on Saturday, and gave some intorestmg particular's concerning the battle. He said that the “drive” commenced at 11.45 p.m. on February 23rd, lathi, and ended at 2 a.m. on February 24th. The “drive” was a very long one, and the New Zealanders formed the central part of the line. It commenced towards the Capo railway line and then changed front about into the Orange River Colony in the direction of Bothasborg. The left wing of the Now Zealanders on reversing front became the right wing and was with General Remington, and it was on this portion of tho iino that tho who!© ot tho actual fighting fell when tho Boers advanced under cover of some oOtKJ head of cattle and attempted to rush through. . ■; , Tho attacking force consisted of but) men, and their object was to get Steyn and Do Wet through tho net. Behind the first thousand cattle which were driven upon the post m the valley of Holspruit were 500 Boers, and they drew tho New Zealanders fire upon them. Steyn and De Wet, with SOO others, fought through to a mil, intercepting General Remington s pompom on the hill. Captain Digby, in charge of this gnu, was klilGd, aucl th© Boors captured the piece. the gun was afterwards rushed by the New Zealanders and retaken, thrown down a hill and put out of action. Ihe fight was a very strenuous one, and, tho casualties on both sides were heavy. About one hundred New Zealanders wore opposed to the rush of 900 Boers. Six hundred and forty Boers surrendered next day, and all the cattle were captured. The New Zealanders had twenty-six men killed and forty-one wounded. When the news reached England the House of Commons cheered tho Now Zealanders. At the conclusion of the “drive” Lord Kitchener had the contingent specially paraded, and thanked them personally for the bravery they had displayed. Tho contingent was afterwards known as the righting Seventh,” and the officers received distinguished service medals.