THE COLENSO REPULSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2404, 29 March 1900, Page 7

THE COLENSO REPULSE.

Buller's attempt to cross the Tugela at Colenso was the culminating disaster of a very bad fortnight, which commenced with the blunder made by Gatacre's force at Stormberg. The force, under the personal direction of General Buller himself, moved forward from Chievele-"- camp, the plan being that General Hart should attack the left, General Hildyard the right, whilst General Lyttelton was to support the centre, the right being protected by mounted troops and by General Barton's brigade. It was very soon apparent that General Hart would not be able to force the passage, and after having suffered severe loss he was ordered to retire. The order was then given to General Hildyard to advance, which he did, and his leading regiment, the East Surrey, succeeded in occupying Colenso station, and some houses near the bridge over the river. At this junoture, however, it was reported that the artillery accompanying this portion of the attack were out of action owing to their having encountered serious opposition whilst endeavouring to reach more effective ranges from positions close to the river. A terrific fire was opened on them, and all the horses being killed, the men were unable to stand to their guns. Desperate efforts were made to bring out the guns, but the fire was too severe, and two only were saved, ten being abandoned. A further gallant attempt was then made to withdraw the guns, but of eighteen horses, thirteen were killed, and as the officer making the attempt and several of the drivers were wounded, the order was finally given to desist from further attempts. As it was considered useless to sacrifice life in an attempt to force the passage of the river unsupported by artillery, the order was given for the force to retire on Chieveley, and this was carried out in Erood order. The day was an intensely hot and trying one, and the behaviour of all arms of the service in the most diffioult circumstances is spoken of by the commanding officer in terms of the highest praise. Our losses over this business make very sorry