The Times History of the War in South Africa, 1899-1902 Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ... poured a heavy fire into the advancing Boers. The attempted pursuit on the east was not more successful. The cavalry were well round upon the main line of the Boer retreat, hut they were not strong enough to do anything effective. A donga in which a covering party of Boers had skilfully concealed themselves, and the sustained fire of a gun from the ridges north of Eooilaagte farm, held them back, while a hold charge on their right by a handful of Venter's men still further disconcerted them. Failing a cavalry pursuit, the only means of harassing the Boer retreat lay in the use of the guns, and a long-range fire was directed against the flying horsemen until they turned a protecting spur of the northern heights. Once again Methuen had cause to regret the absence of a cavalry brigade. Whether the mounted troops present could have done more is doubtful, but Lord Methuen was not satisfied with the leading of Colonel Gough, commanding the 9th Lancers, and that officer was succeeded in the command by Major Little. Casualties. The total British casualties at Enslin were 3 officers and 14 men killed, and 6 officers and 162 men wounded, the Naval Brigade suffering most, and the Yorkshire Light Infantry and North Lancashires next. Of the Boer casualties it is only certain that 21 were buried by the British force, and that at least 40 were seriously wounded and abandoned in the hospital at Eooilaagte. Dejection After securing a few prisoners and abandoned wagons the uUacobsda" coltm"1 moved on to Enslin siding, where a day's halt was made to replenish ammunition, the troops suffering much discomfort owing to the insufficiency of the water supply. Meanwhile the Boer leaders met together at Jacobsdal to deliberate on their next move. In a sense, both...