REMOVING THE WOUNDED AFTER THE BATTLE OF ELANDSLAAGTE.
This operation had to be performed in a pouring rain and in almost total darkness.]
The Natal Artillery opened the battle by directing a fire upon the railway station. At once the Boers replied. Two shells, beautifully aimed, fell right amongst the British guns, putting one ammunition waggon out of action. Our weapons were old and feeble 7-pounders, the Boer guns long-range quick-firing 14-pounders--the weapons lost in the shameful Raid, and now by strange retribution pointed against the brave men who had to pay for the deplorable mistakes of the past. Nothing but withdrawal could have saved the Natal Artillery. The guns fell back and the British force hastened out of range, while General French telegraphed instantly for reinforcements.
A couple of hours later these began to come up. First arrived the 5th Lancers and two batteries of field artillery, tearing along with double teams at a gallop. Then came Colonel Ian Hamilton, who had fought and received more than one wound in the struggle with the Boers in 1881. He brought with him the rest of the Manchesters and 1,200 Devonshires and Gordon Highlanders. This gave General French a total of 2,000 infantry, 480 artillery, and about 800 cavalry; he was now able to return and resume the attack.
The two British field batteries opened a furious fire on the Boer guns, which were located on the top of the long ridge; the British cavalry pushed round to the left and right of the Boer position; the British infantry, in open formation--Gordons and Manchesters on the right, dismounted men of the Imperial Light Horse in the centre, and Devons on the left--prepared to advance to the assault when the cannon had done their work. It was to be Talana Hill over again, but this time with a weaker Boer force.
The enemy's guns were fought with the most obstinate courage; shrapnel constantly burst amidst them: three times their gunners fell back and each time returned to their work. The roar of the artillery duel filled the air, yet in spite of all its sound and fury, the loss of life on either side was as yet small.
[Illustration: _Max Cowper._] [_After a photograph._
LANDING AT CAPETOWN OF COMMANDANT PRETORIUS, WOUNDED AND CAPTURED AT ELANDSLAAGTE.]