The British Reverse.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXIX, Issue 9497, 28 November 1899, Page 2

The British Reverse.

THE ROUNDED TREATED WITH

HUJIANILT.

SYDNEY, November,27.

. Dotajfs of the surrender of Colonel Oarleton's column at Nicholson's Nek show that he carried out a night march till within two milos of the Nek. At this point two. boulders rolled from the hill and there were a few rifle shots and a stampede ol the infantry ammunition by the mules. The stampede spread to a battery of mules, which all broke loose and bolted with practically the whole of-the equipments and the greater portion of tho regimental small arms. The ammunition reserve was similarly lost.

The infantry baltalion, however, fixed bayouots, and accompanied by the porsonnol of the battery, seized ■the bill■ two miles fiom the Nek with but little opposition, and there re* maiuedr unmolested till dawn 4 The time was occupied in organising the defences and constructing stone sangar vails as a cover from fire,

At. dawn a skirmishing attack on our position commenced, but the enemy made no way until 9.30, when strong reinforcements were enabled to push the attack with groat energy. ■ The fire becamo very scorching and two companies of Gloucesters, in an advanced position, were ordered to fall back. *;..-"

The enemy then pressed at short range, the loss on our side becoming very numerous.

At 2 p.m. our timmunition was practically exhausted, the position was captured, and the survivor's column fell into the enemy's hands. -

' The enemy treated our woundei with great kindness and humanity.