Untitled

Otago Witness, Issue 2402, 15 March 1900, Page 66

THE BOER WAR.

WITH FRENCH'S COLUMN.

HOW THE NEW ZEALANDERS SHAPE IN ACTION.

•SPLENDID WORK 13Y THE COLONIALS.

EXCITING RACE FOE NEW ZEALAND HILL.

SENSATIONAL ARTILLERY DUEL.

OUll CAMP SHELLED BY THE BOERS.

DISASTER TO THE N.S.W. LANCERS,

PRAISti FOR THE COLONIALS.

OPINIONS. OF DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.

CAMP GOSSIP FROM SLIKGERSfOKTEIN.

(FROM OUR SPECIAL WAR CO

Slingersfontein Camp,

General French's Column, January 22,

Since my last the column under the command of Major-general French, and with which the New Zealand Mounted Rifles are associated, lias made an important advance, and, by outflanking the opposing forces on the east and west of Colcsberg, has caused considerable attention to be paid to its movements. So far, General French's column has done splendid work in rapidity of action, in carrying out important strategical operations, and in harassing the Boers until they were compelled to withdraw their forces on either flank and concentrate for a time in and around Colesberg. The officers and men comprising our column have proved themselves well worthy of the confidence placed in them by their highly-esteemed commander.

On our left flank, to the west of the Boers' main laager, our forces extended towards a long range of kopjes north of Coleskop, a sugar-loafed mountain overlooking the enemy's position. Gradually our men felt their way, driving back the Boers foot by foot, tatting advantage of every possible cover, and moving unexpectedly, rapidly and effectively. Our positions between Coleskop 'and Rendsburg, which lies south-east of the mountain, and faces the range of kopjes which previously formed the Boers' main poritiou, were strengthened, and then our right or eastern flank claimed attention.

Scouting parties, principally composed of New Zealanders, Now South Wales Lancers, and 6th Dragoon Guards or- Carabineers, gradually worked their woy in a north-east direction, and ultimately extended along the plain to Slingersfontein, due cast of the Boers' main position, and in the direction of Norval's Pont. From the very outset the general's opinion was that at the latter point the Boers would concentrate their forces, and make a determined stand. Instead of retreating, however, the enoiny extended their east or left flank, first mobilising their forces at. Colesberg and points north of the town, and sending large numbers of wellmounted men in the direction of Slingersfontein, on the extreme east or right flank of the British forces. Thus, as we moved in a novth-ea^terly direction, the Boers extended eastwards, and almost Fimultancously with our occupation of the kopjes about 15 miles south of Norval's Pont, and a similar distance from the Orange River, the enemy located themselves on the opposite side of the veldt, their nearest point of occupation being two miles due north of Slingersfontein camp. A reference to the map of South Africa will show your readers

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ADVANCE

and occupation of this position. It enabled General French to attack the enemy on their southern, eastern, and western flanks, to threaten the enemy's main line of communication by rail northwards, and to form a formidable barrier between the Boer forces opposing General Gatacre's column and those of the enemy with which we have so frequently been brought into conflict. The occupation of Norval's Pont, or lifting the rails at this point, would prevent other reinforcements coming by rail from either the Oiange Free State or the districts between Stormherg and Aliwal North, or Stormberg and Springfontein, at which point the railway from East London junctions with the main line running through the Orange Free Slate and the South African Republic. It would also place our column within easy communication with the forces gathered at the Orange River, on the borders of the Orange Free State and Cape Colony, and at Belmont. The importance of our advance was therefore apparent, and has consequently claimed considerable attention from General Buller, who has, 1 understand from the headquarter staff, taken great interest in the movements of the various portions of the column. The first cavalry brigade, of which details have previously been given, and with which the New Zealanders are connected, were forwarded to our right flank, the second cavalry brigade to our left, while the mounted men, infantry, and artillery were left in occupation of Rendsburg. Eight 12-pounders were despatched to Slingerbfontein, while 13pouudera aoxd tact b&fcjjariej of 12-#ojin.de,r.3

J. A. SHAND.)

were placed on the hills from Rendsburg to our extreme left or eastern flank. Despite the fact that our artillery is numerically strong, the Boers' 7.5 centimetre Creusot and llaxim-Nordenfeldt guns manage to keep our force* at a respectable distance, OUR BEST GUNS BEING STILL OUT-

RANGED , by the Boer " Long Toms." What we require are guns capable of throwing lyddite shells to dislodge the enemy from their strongly-fortified positions on the hills, extending from east to west, a distance of fully 15 miles. Thesa guns, we are given to understand, will be placed at our disposal as soon as possible. When they arrive our onward march to Bloemfontein should be rapid, and the Orange Free State should quickly be in permanent occupation of the British forces. All things carefully considered, it must be admitted that of those in command of columns

GENERAL FRENCH has as yet avoided the mistakes credited to other commanders; has advanced with great rapidity; and, despite the serious defeat of the Suffolks, as mentioned in my last, can show a much smaller list of casualties. Without in the slightest degree discrediting the work performed by other regiments comprising our column, in all fairness to the colonies it should be slated that the New Zealanders and New South Wales Lancers have assisted very materially in bringing about these satisfactory result*. Their fccouting has always been attended with great danger, the men never knowing the moment when the onemy, lurid no; behind kopjes and stones, waiting and watching with bulldog-like pertinacity for the appearance of our patrols, whose movements they anticipate with astonishing accuracy. Scarcely a day has passed without one or all of our boys having a skirmish with the Boer scouts, and it speaks volumes for the coolness, bravery, and general discipline of the New Zealanders that they have never made a false move, never shirked their responsibilities, no matter at what disadvantage .they were placed, and have never suffered defeat at the hands of the Boers. Twice have they been almost surrounded by the enemy. On many occasions they have been under heavy shell and rifle fire. They have defended difficult and dangerous positions, and in every instance they have conducted themselves nobly. This is not flattery, it is but paying a well-deserved tribute to the brave sons of New Zealand who are fighting gallantly for the dear old mother land from which their forefathers came, and for the prestige of the colony they so worthily represent. As my last budget left our camp \

THE ADVANCE

to which I have mode reference practically commenced, the New Zealanders and other detachments of the First Cavalry Brigade, under Colonel Porter, moving off in a northeasterly direction towards Slingersfontein farm, where the Boers were reported to be in force. As the column advanced, the scouting party were well in advance of the vanguard, and, following the usual custom, patrols were pushed on in all directions as far as possible from the main body, but always in touch, in case of a surprise, as it was ascertained that Hrge numbers of the enemy had left the main laager and were pushing otit in a south-easterly direction to intercept our forces. As the heights behind Taaisboshlaagte (the mountain previously in occiipation of the Boers, and on* which their large guns ware situated) were passed, the Life Guards and 6th Dragoons were brought up closer to the battery, and the descent to the intervening veldt was commenced. As the forces reached a long range of kopjes seven miles from Rendsburg, and a similar distance from our destination, the scouts returned, and reported that the Boers had been watching our advanoe, and appeai'ed to be making preparations to give us a warm reception. As the guns slowly rumbled over the crest of the hill the Boers, noting the strength of our artillery, galloped back to a range of kopjes four miles from us. On the column pushed, drawing closer and closer to the goal, the Boers evidently anticipating a simultaneous movement on their immediate right, or western flank, though none was attempted. Our forces being too small, gradually retired, and occupied Slingersfontein, without any serious engagement talcing place, some of the Boers occup3'ing a low range of kopjes on our west opened fire on the scouting party, consisting of the Dragoon Guards, I think, and New Zealanders. Our men rodo up to the kopje and succeeded in drawing the enemy back to other kopjes two miles distant and close to the Boers' main laager. It was a clever and daring act on the part of General French, who followed up the column, adding considerably to the circle we are endeavouring to complete round the enemy. It was a dangerous position to occupy, but possibly future events will justify our General's intrepidity. Retruning to Rendsburg in company with his staff, General French was Oxsul ou 4 buJ/ A uagrjelx; remjvrkmg t-bat the Boers

were nearer than was anticipated, our leader cantered on, and succeeded in reaching camp in safety.

Of the events thai transpired at Slingersfontein during the few days immediately following the occupation of Slingersfontein by our forces, it is sufficient to say that the scouting parties, formed of New Zealanders and other mounted men, again did splendid .work. On Wednesday, January 10,

OUR BOYS were the principals in a rather exciting incident, the race for and occupation of a kopjo that has since been called New Zealand Hill. A patrol had been despatched from camp, and, as usual, the Maorilanders quickly crossed the veldt and endeavoured to draw; the enemy's fire, and thus locate their exact position. Once this is accomplished, our boys ara always resourceful enough" to work rotiiid rapidly and ascertain the strength of the opposing forces, information that on frequent occasions has proved of great value to General French, headquarters staff, and Major Robin. A party of Boers were seen approaching, sukl, from the cautious movements of the enemy, it was evident to our men that their opponents were manoeuvring to occupy a kopje west of the camp, which would have enabled the Boers to cut off the New Zealanders, and either 'annihilate them or cause them to surrender. v The kopje was the goal, and the Maorilanders and Boers the contestants'. Quickly the order to advance on the hill was given, and both parties galloped for the kopje simultaneous*!}-. The New Zealanders just managed to reach the position before the Boers, and, taking cover, quickly opened

A HOT FIRE on their discomfited opponents. The enemy, evidently recognising the importance of the position, returned the New Zealanders' fire, and contested every inch of the ground; but the successful adoption of their own tactics disconcerted them, and the " Ake, ake! " of the New Zealanders signalled the defeat and retirement of Hie enemy. Subsequent events proved that had the Boers been able to occupy the hill, we would have been placed in a very dangerous position, and would in all probability have been compelled to strike camp, and. moving further east and south, have disconnected the chain we were weaving round Colesberg, and weakened our position considerably. This clever move on the part of the New Zealanders established the perjr.aneii'.y of Siingerpfontein camp, and paused the Boars such uneapiness that they immediately brought up reinforcements, «om'a leaving the Boer laager near Stormberg, where they had been opposing General Gataere's column.

The British forces having assumed permanent occupation of Slingersfontein. I rettirned to Rendsburg, seeing no signs of Boers during the jovirney of 13 or 14- miles from camp to camp. Rimington Scouts leaving Slingersfontein the biirao day did not opcape so well, three being surprised by a party of Boers numbering about 40. who attempted to intercept them on the veldt north of Taaisbochlaagle Heights. Rmrington's men were, fortunately, well mounted,, and, putting spurs to their horses, galloped madly for liberty for about eight miles, eventually takmg shelter at Jasfontein farm, where the New Zealanders had their first serious brush with the enemy, and ■where poor Bradford, of Auckland, was mortally wounded. Instead of arriving in camp at 4.30 p.m., the scouts, utterly exhausted, and ravenously hungry, turned up seven hours later. Leaving Rendsburg the following morning, I journoved to our camp at Coleskop. about eight miles in a north-westerly direction, arriving at our extreme left flank just as the Royal Horse Artillery were manning their guns, 12 and 15-pounder3.

THE ARTILLERY DUEL

that took place that day was one of the most interesting of those v I have witnessed since the commencement of the campaign. Our artillery opened the ball by sending a shell on the breastwork of the Boer laager, bursting near eight men, who, mounted on bay horses, stood, apparently issujn'g instructions to the artillery and mounted troops. IVo of the horses were seen to fall, pnd a number of Boers rushed forward and assisted the injured riders behind the rocky parapets to the north of the Boer camp. Then the laager was cleared, and we wore flattering ourselves that the Boers, none of whom could then be seen even through the glasses, had temporarily vacated their position, and their guns consequently could not be worked. Suddenly their Long Tom " boomed out. and, after an anxious wait, the shell shrieked over our head-!, well directed, but faulty in elevation. Tlnrdly had the shell burst on a lovvlyinp- kopje behind, when the Boers' MaximNordenfeldl opened fire, and rattled away at a furious rate, their lib shells crashing on tho rocks about 20yds down the hill on which, our guns were placed. For fully half "an. hour this gun belched forth- shells viciously, our men keeping well uncW cover of the huge locks to the right of v.'iere we lay. It Mas evident that the Boevs had suffered cor.--siderably in the morning, and. in revenge, they maintained a heavy fire for over two hours, until the front portion of our ram.-: r parts presented a very battered apnearance, the stones being light-blue colouied, caused by the smoke from the explosions for fully 50yds from east to west. Our guns remained silent for a space of nearly two hours, the Boers pouring shell after shell into where they expected our men were sheltered. No casualties occurred on our side until the afternoon, when a well-placed shell burst mi front of about a score of Royal Horse Artillerymen and wounded two men, the arm of one being almost torn off, and the other, being struck on the head by a portion of a shell. Eventually the Boer fire slackened, when our guns were again manned, and tho 15-pounders again did splendid work. We could see about 500 Boers retreat down the hill on the northern portion of the laager, and the motionless groups lying on the rocka showed that our shells had done splendid work. Again, late in the afternoon the Creusot guns of the Boers spoke out, but our men had left the trenches, and were engaged in making preparations for the reception of a big gun on Coleskop. a high peak overlooking the Boer position. No information could! be gleaned as to the enemy's losses, but subsequently a Boer prisoner slated that duringthe day mentioned they lost 26 men killedi and 42 wounded, and that after the artillery engagement their laager resembled a butcher' 3 shop. The official list of killed and wounded,as published by the Boers, was four killedi and eight wounded — a statement at whichi even tho Boer prisoners laughed. During, the week the various camps rested, the Boers burying their dead, and afterwards strengthening their position. Though we saw them, distinctly on the range of kopjes two miles away, our guns were silent, and the killed were buried and the wounded carried.' back to Colesberg. The trenches were cleared, and the laaser considerably changed! in apjoearanco, without any attempt at molestation on our part, though no formal tvu,ce had, been declared. It was x a graceful

act on joux part, and, in all fairness, it should be said that the enemy well deserved the concession, for they have, so far, fought our column fairly, and have not been guilty of the many dishonourable tactics credited to the northern Boers. Returning to Rendsburg again at the conclusion of the week, I met

LIEUTENANT NEAVE,

of Wellington, New Zealand, who had just gained a commission in the Yorkshire Regiment. Neave expressed his regret, tinged with pleasure, at having been transferred from the New Zealand Contingent to such a splendid company, and said that while he keenly felt leaving his old comrades, he had always been anxious to join the regulars. It was satisfactory* to discover that Lieutenant Neave had already become a favourite with the officers and men, and that the officer in command looked upon the New Zealander as a subaltern who promised to do good work when occasion arose. The "Yorkshire Regiment arrived at Rendsburg during the week, also battalions of the Worcester. Royal Irish, Welsh Fusiliers, anr 1 Bedford Regiments, bringing up the total strength of General French' 1 ? rolumn to between 9000 and 10,000 men, including, of course, the first and second cavalry brigades, details of the constitution of which I have already forwarded.

After a respite following their serious reverse, the Suffoiks returned to camp, but one could easily note that their disaster was still keenly felt. Since_ my last it has transpired that the colonel in charge of the Suffoiks was guilty of a grave error of judgment, but as he met his death from the Boer bullets, the least said upon this head the better. From personal conversations with officers and men, I gathered that they now fully recognise the suicidal nature of the night attack on the Boer position.

SLINGERSFONTEIN,

being occupied by our forces, and the Boers dislodged from the kopjes close to camp, scouting parties were despatched to reconnoitre various districts. A circle of seven miles from camp on the eastern side being steadily covered, our men could not go more than two miles west, as the Boers lined the hills in goodly numbers. Various farms we're visited, and clo&e on a dozen prisoners — Dutch and Kaffirs — were captured, interviewed by the general, and despatched under guard to Rendsburg, from where they were despatched by rail to Neauwpoort and De Aar, the base from which the various columns operating on the western frontier are enforced. Some of the prisoners were subsequently discovered to be loyalists, and were returned to their farms. The others, who professed to welcome the advent of our forces, but upon whom incriminating documents were found, were detained. Nothing of special importance occurred at Slingersfonlein until Saturday, the 13th January, when AN EXCITING INCIDENT OCCURRED. The camp were seated at the midday meal, when suddenly the Boers' Creusot gun, situated about three miles away, boomed forth, and a shell dropped in the centre of the Life Guards' lines. Hardly had the men rushed to their horses, when the gun spoke again, and the second shell dropped into the lines of the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers). It burst well, but" the fragments scattered just cleaivof the line, and did no damage beyond raising a cloud of dust. Some of the horses stampeded, and for a tima there v.-ns considerable consternation, but no disorder or confusion. The i.iird shell burst close to the tent of Quartcrmasier-s-ergeant Berland (Chrislchureh), of the New Zeaknders, and, as he arid Transport-sergeant Kocktrow (r-Tew Zealand) rushed" out, a fourth shell landed almost at their feet, but, shouldering the ground and ricocheting, did not burst. Immediately the order was given to the Household Cavalry and 6'.h Dragoon Guards to shif£ camp and take shelter under a kopje (since called Signal Hill, our helios, flag station, and night signals being placed on its heights) to the east of the camp. It v. as not long before the Guards and Dragoons were under cover. The New Zealanders did not move, as the men and horses were fairly well pro.tecred by a range cf kopjes, and it was deemed advisable to keep them eWe to the hill- they had been instrumental in wresting .from the Eoers. In all 10 shells were dropped into the camp, the only damage done being the-, wounding of three horses belonging to the Life Guards. It was a narrow escape, and very few men other than those despatched on picket or scouting work ventured on the veldt past the western corner of the kopje tinder which the camp -rcas situated. At Rendsburg on the same day a Boer lieutenant. who was shot by his comrades for attempting to run away during the engagement with our forces on January 5, was buried. He had been shot twice in the back, and his case was considered hopeless after he Via? examined by -our medical men. He was captured by the- Life Guards at the foot of the hills s=urrounding Colesberg. He was interred in a grave close to the last re?ting-jilaco of onp of the 10th Hussnrs killed in the samp engagement. The burial service observed at the funerals of our own men wa3 strictly adhered to, and the large attendance at the burial of the Boer was a tsstimony of our appreciation of their treatment of British prisoners who have fallen into the enemy's hands, and of the decent burials given to these who passed away. These remarks, lei me &ay, en passant, only apply to the Boers and Free Staters opposing General French's column.

Of the engagement that took place at Slingersfontein, I have given particulars under a separate heading (published yesterday), but here let me say that our men are now

THE HEROES OF THE CAMP,

&nd any infantry regiment or field artillery journeying to veldt or kopje on a dangerous mission express their satisfaction and confidence in their advance guard when they learn that the New Zealanders are in the van. Our boys are now quite at home on veldt, karoo, kopje, or berg, and though always well under control, have frequently to be curbed by the officers in command. Poor Connell, who wos shot dead on New Zealand Hill on the morning of January 15, had a premonition of coming disaster. He had written letters to his parents and his sweetheart, and, instead of waiting, as usual, for the closing of the camp post,- he handed both missives to Trooper Macpherson, Sur-geon-captain Burns's apsistant, with instructions to post the same to New Zealand if he (Connell) met with any mishap. Macpherson put the letters carefully away until tne night before the engagement took place, when he Landed them back to the Aucklander, saying that it was absurd for him to keep Connell's letters. When the trooper's body was recovered both letters were found in his breast pocket, tho envelopes stained with blood, and a bullet-holo through the letter addressed to the young New Zealand lady, of whom he frequently spoke in loving terms. Connell was a son of one of the partners in the wellknown Dunedin firm of Connell and Moodie, who at one time conducted a large estate agency and financial business. It was JJw

poor fellow's idea to remain in tho Transvaal when the war was concluded, and endeavour to work up a large business for the benefit of his near and dear relations. He frequently spoke of his aspirations and intentions, and always said he wanted to succeed, so that " the old people would be all right." Sergeant Gourley frequently spoke of his father, the Hon. Hugh Gourley, and only the day previous to his heroic death he informed Sergeant Hazlett (son of the well-known Dunedin merchant) and myself that his father was very anxious about his (Gourley's) welfare,and worried more than the sneaker considered neees-

sary. "It will be all right," he said to me; "I will get back all safe, and won't my old dad be pleased!" The following day he received his death wound, -and two days later he was sleeping his last sleep beneath the African veldt.

As I write this the New Zealand contingent are occupying two separate positions on our extreme right flank. Major Robin and Captain Davies are in command of the No. 2 Companj r , who have been despatched to Potsfontein, six miles to our east, and No. 1 Company, under Captain Madocks, are at Sling ersfontein. Our boys are at present engaged in outpost and patrol work, which is always attended with more or less clanger. Last night (Saturday), the 20th January,

THE CAMP WAS ALARMED

by a report that the Boers, having been driven from their position on the western flank by means of lyddite, were attacking Madocks' Hill in large numbers. The New Zealanders were quickly in their saddles, and half a company was the first to leave the camp. Captain Madocks, who Lad been seriously indisposed, declined to stay behind, and led his men to the supposed point of attack It was a false alarm, however, caused ~oy an incorrect reading of the signal from the kopjes on our western flank, where our men were really reversing the positions by attacking tho Boer positions. Ths New Zealanders arrived at Madocks' Hill about midnight, and found everything quiet, but did not return to camp until 2 aim., as it was deemed advisable to keep a careful watch on the veldt to prevent the Boers rushing the position. Some of the men. after an hour's re=st, were turned out again for ordinary picket dutj-, so that our boys are doing rather more than their fair snare of very trying and dangerous woi'k. They never complain, however, and while the regulars growl and grumble and criticise the service, when they are called upon lo do extra work, the New Zealanders simply laugh and say, '"Another go to-night, boys: come on; saddle up, there," and leave camp as blithe and light-hearted as if they were sallying forth on the plcasonte&t mission conceivable. The constant striving on the pari. of both oificers and men to do a little more than what is actually demanded of them is proving a profitable object le-'son to many a regular soldier.

A YISITO3I.

At 'Coleskop, on our western flank, howitzer guns have been placed in position, ancl with lyddite slielis did great damage to the Boers and their fortifications. Thrice they have boon driven from their laagerf, but their Creusot guns were so well protected that when our howitzers ce-ised, the enemy's " Long Toms ■' opened out and poured shell after shell into the British ramp until our howitzers spoke again. iiowiusers and lyddite shells are urgently required on the eastern flank, as the enemy's artillery lias proved itself to be immeasurably superior to the guns at oxir disposal. Our practice is just as good, if not better, but our guns are outranged by over 1000 yards. To-day (Sunday), tLe 21st January, I received a visit from the 'Eon. Ashmcid Barclett and Sir . At theii 1 special request I gave them details of the engagements in which the New Zealanders were killed. Both gentlemen said the colonials," and particularly the New Zealanderj, had done splendid work, and were the most fearless and dashing riders they had yet seen on active service. The services that the colonies and the colonials have rendered, said ilr BartleU, as he left my tent, will ever live in the memory of the mother country, wiio to-day should be proud ot her oons. Mr F. G. Pryor, managing editor oi the Daily Mail, London, is also very much interested in the colonials, and made a special visit to tiie camp to witness their operations. He informed me tluu, he had good authc.-ity for saying tnat a strong attempt v/otild be made to arrange ior at least a portion of the New Zealand contingent to visit England at the conclusion of the war. To-day the complimentary cables from his Excellency the Governor, Lord Ranfurly, and the Premier of New Zealand were received in camp, and have afforded much satisfaction to the officers and men of the New Zealand Mounted .Rifle?. Reference to his Excellency reminds me that Captain Ward, well known in the colony as A.D.C. lo the Governor, is acting as staff officer of the colonial contingents, and has been with the Xew Zealanders since they commenced active service. The captain (who also acts as one of the press censors) delights iv riding up close to the firing line. In one engagement, when the enemy's ' Long -Toms " were sending shell after shell into the middle of our men, and which made clouds of dust as they burst, the captain calmly brushed the sleeves of his coat, and exclaimed, with his usual drawl, '" The worst of these shells is that they are so fearfully dusty." The day (Tuesday, January 16) following the engagement of the New Zealanders, the New South Wales Lancers met with

A SERIOUS MISHAP.

In the early morning a party of 30 men under the command of Major Lee, with Lieutenants Dowling, Heron, and Web, the latter belonging to the sth Lancers (attached), left camp with the object of scouting the plain and locating the Boer position. Major Lee returned to camp aftei giving inscructions to Lieutenant Dowling, and the latter left with 21 men for the serious business of the day. The route the New South "Wales men were instructed to take was in a north-easterly direction from the main camp, and as the Boers had been seen in the vicinity of some farms on the veldt between two ranges of kopjes, the expedition was one attended with considerable risk. The lieutenant in command, however, was a plucky young fellow, and he had the entire confidence of his men. The parly travelled about nine miles, and visited one of the farms seeking for information as to the position of the enemy. While scouting on one of the kopjes to the south of the farm, one of the men in advance galloped back and informed the lieutenant that the Boers were in the vicinity, and appeared to be increasing in number. Before the small party had time to seek cover on the kopjes that stood near, a party of Boers were eeen to dart out of a ravine and take a. position on a neighbouring kopje, and a moment later a. volley was fired into the ranks of the New South Welshmen. Further Boers appeared, and it was recognised that the party were being surrounded, and that unless prompt Atfjtan jvfije Jjtken tlig aolonials jkqwW, i>s

captured. A rush was made for a kopje, and from what we gathered from those who returned to' camp the following morning, it appeared that a gallant stand was made, but that the New South Welshmen were outnumbered, and were forced to surrender, after two of their men and several horses had been shot. Trooper J. Bucholtz, who was the first of the party to return to camp, stated that after they were surprised Lieutenant Dowling, who remained perfectly col even while the Boer bullets were whistling round him, ordered a stand to be made, so as to draw the Boers round the kopje, and enable a dash for the open to be made. Bucholtz, who belongs to the Australian Horse, could give no connected account of what followed. He said they all fought well, and kept the Boers off for some time. The last .ie saw was Lieutenant Dowling walking -<p a hopjr, with a rifle in his hand, but whether any of the New South Wales men were then wounded he could not say. Trooper Arfclett, however, who was the next to arrive in camp on foot, relieved the anxiety that all felt as to the fate of the. party. He stated that after they were surprised and surrounded his horse was shot from under him, and he was crushed to the ground. Dowling saw the mishap, and shouted out, "Mount behind me, Artlett." The latter did so, and the horse had just commenced to gallop with its double burden when another volley was fired by the Boers, and Lieutenant Dowling's horse stopped, staggered, and fell dead, the riders being thrown heavily on the rocks. Artlelt made for an adjacent kopje, and Dowling did the same, both endeavouring to hide from the Boers, who completely surrounded the hill. Artlett crawled along the crest of the kopje ,until he came to a hollow, where, unperceived by the Boers, he lay until darkness came. Dowling must have made for the other end of the kopje, and fallen into the hands of the enemy. Artlett managed to make his way back to camp, where he was well received. He expressed the opinion that some of the New South Wales Lancers or Australian Hor. 5 e had been wounded, and this spurred the Australians into activity. When the kopje wa=i reached, it was easy to no^e that a fight had taken place, and that the New South Wales men had conducted themselves bravely. Lances were stuck here and there, and empty cartridges gave evidence that tl.e colonials had made a ready response to the Boers, and had been compelled to submit only through force of numbers. At the loot of the kopje was found Corporal ELilpatriek, of the Lancers. He was alive, but has since been unconscious- Hp had been shot in the jaw with a bullet, and half the lower portion of his face had been torn away. He was also shot in the chest. It seemed as though an explosive or expanding bullet had been used. He had made a splendid stand, as only seven cartridges were found in his bandolier, which was full when the Boers attacked. On the heated rocks he had lain all day, with a scorching Eun shining upon him, and then had passed the night, which towards dawn w-as bitterly cold. As his comrades bsnt over him and endeavoured to rai.se hbn up he tapped one of their water bottles, and Lieutenant Heron stopped and endeavoured to- pour some brandy and water down his throat. Kilpatrick could not swallow, however, and as fast as the liquid was poured into his mouth it ran from thcawful wound on bis jaw and face. Kilpatrick then traced the word "Cold" on the sand wit'i his finger, and was made as comfortable as possible until the arrival of the ambulance, which should have accompanied the search pnrly, instead of toiling along yearly two hours later. Kilpatrick was badly wounded. As he was being attended by the officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps the surgeon-captain shook his head dubiously. The search party continued their operations, and next visited the bottom of the kopje, where the body of Sergeant-major Griffin was found. This man had made a splendid stand, and no less than four horses lay dead close by. Two of these horses were Boer ponies, so that Dowling and Griffin made a determined resistance to the onslaught of the Boers before being wounded. Griffin bad "the back of his head nearly blown off, and this asain pointed to the use by the enemy of explosive bullet=. Griffin's' body was buried at the foot of the kopje on which he and his comrades made such a gallant ft and, while Kilnatrick was conveyed to our camp, the ambulance returning to Slingersfontein. On the morning following the day on which the engagement took place one or two stragglers returned to camp, n.i.l when the roll was called it was found out U.at 'he casualties were as follows: — Killed — Ser-freant-major Griffin. Australian Horse: .Wourded (since died) — Corporal Kilpatrick. New South Wales I/uicers. Missing — Lieutenant Dowliupr, Mudgee ; Warrant-officer Fisher. Parramatf a ; Corporal C. Konh. Privates A. Dalev..Dewanev. M. Ford. R. .To'nston. J. A. Roberts. 0. S. Taylor, U. R. Wellington. Corporal Wilson. Private W. Eimes, and R. Lvnn. Several of the men belonged to the Australian Horse, who have been attached for the present campaign to the New South Wales Lancers. One of the men who escaped said he saw a warty of Boers, with six prisoners, unmounted, on the veldt, the enemy carrying a bundle of lances, but he could not distinguish whether any • f the mounted men were members '>f i.is company. The last seen of the Boer= and their prisoners were that they were walking their horsed slowly in the direction of their main laager, on their eastern flank. Kilpatrick, who was brought to camp in the ambulance, was very weak, and seroi-consciniie. To a Question as to where he felt the pain, he wrote " Heart " in the du?t on the ,=ide of ambulance, and it was then understood that the wound on his left breoat would probably prove fatal. He lingered on in a kind of stupor until 1 o'clock in the afternoon of Wednosdav. January 17. and was laid side by side with the New Zealanders who had been buried on the previous day. The funeral was largely attended, and a detachment of mombers_ of thp New Zealand contingent was specially told off to represent their company at the impressive ceremony, which was oonduoled by "Major Lee. Thus in two short days four srallaut colonials (two New Zealanders and two New South Welshmen) laid down their young lives for their Queen and country.