THE SIEGE OF KIMBERLEY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2394, 18 January 1900, Page 12

THE SIEGE OF KIMBERLEY.

(Special Correspondent of Cape Times.) Kimberley, December 1. Having heard by means of night signals that the relief column was approaching, Colonel Eekewich" determined to make a demonstration in force against the enemy, numbers of whom were, according to information received, on the point of trekking south to join in opposing Lord Methuen's advance. it, 3 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon a large force of mounted troops, infantry, and artillery, commanded by Major (local lieutenantcolonel) Chamier (Royal Artillery), moved out north and fcouth of the reservoir, and proceeded to advance towards the enemy's position south-west of Kimberley. Alajor Chamier was able to occupy Johnston's Kopje and the ridge overlooking Wimbledon Ranges without opposition. Our artillery then opened fire on Carter's farm, Peddiefontein, and the mounted troops under Major (local lieutenant-colonel) Scott-Turner advanced and occupied the farm without any very serious opposition. This was tho line intended to be held in view of developments likely to take place in the event of Lord Methuen's early approach nearer to Kimberley. The enemy's guns, posted on Spitzkop, near Wimbledon siding, had in the meantime engaged the Diamond Fields Artillery, several shells falling in close proximity to our men, while a vigorous duel was nro_ceedina; bejiW@fifi

our guns at the reservoir and the enemy's 9-pouuder posted on the ridge to the west' of the Kimberley Lazaretto. Major Turner left a detachment to hold Carter's, and then advanced on the enemy's gun, this necessitating_ a stoppage of our reservoir artillery. He then sent for two guns, which look up a position north of Carter's and pounded away at the enemy's redoubt in sj>ile of the heavy fire, which would have proved verj' damaging but for the splendid cover which the ground afforded. Our men rushed the laager in fine style and witli trifling losses, the enemy retiring before them, firing as they went. The whole of the enemy's supply of artillery ammunition, consisting of 150 9pounder shells, a large quantity of gunpowder, a gun, a limber, waggon and a span of oxen, and camp paraphernalia, were captured. Everything that could not be carried away was destroyed. Major Turner now proceeded to attack: the ridge, which was capped with four redoubts arranged in echelon. Three were captured after severe fighting with much gallantry, but the enemy, having, it is believed, received reinforcements, mostly Transvaalers, made a desperate and determined stand at the fourth, where they had their gun. In leading his men against this last work of the enemy, Major Scott-Turner was shot • through the head with a Martini bullet, and killed on the spot. Lieutenant Wright (Kimberley Light Horse) also fell, and Lieutenant Clifford (North Lancashire Mounted Infantry) rel ceive:! a scalp wound, but continued fighting* Thii was by far the hottest phase of tha engagement, and as it was evident' that the i }iosition could only be captured by a larger fores trained to the use of tl>e bayonet, tho attack was not pressed, and Major Peakman, who had just succeeded to the command, withdrew his men, who had been fighting for over three houi's on Carter's farm, whence, after the day's work, they returned to Kimberley. The infantry and guns with a mounted escort end part of tbe Beaconsfield Town Guard remained out through the night, holding the ground from Wriffht's farm to Johnston's Kapie, and the following morning, there bring no further news of Lord Methuen's column, were ordered to return to Kimberley. Our loaves were 22 killed and 23 wounded, of whom two ha"\ c since died. Colonel Kekewich after the battle issued an order Tjr.iUing the t>allsnt behaviour of all concerned, and deeply deploring the loss of Major Scotl-Turner and so many of his brave comrades.