re another guide could be obtained.

"In the meantime Lieutenant-Colonel Grey withdrew his force and the
covering Maxims out of action under the protection of the M.M.P.
covering troops, and rejoined the main body.

"At this juncture Colonel Grey was shot in the foot, but most
gallantly insisted on carrying on his duties until the close of the
action.

"Sub-Inspector Cazalet was also wounded here, but continued in
action until he was shot again in the chest at Doornkop.

"While crossing the ridge the column was subjected to a very heavy
fire, and several men and horses were lost here.

"I detailed a rear-guard of one troop and two Maxims, under Major R.
White, to cover our rear and left flank, and moved the remainder of
the troops in the ordinary day formation as rapidly forward as
possible.

"In this formation a running rear and flank guard fight was kept up
for ten miles. Wherever the features of the ground admitted, a stand
was made by various small detachments of the rear and flank guard.
In this manner the Boers were successfully kept at a distance of 500
yards, and repulsed in all their efforts to reach the rear and flank
of the main body.

"In passing through the various mines and the village of
Randfontein, we met with hearty expressions of goodwill from the
mining population, who professed a desire to help if only they had
arms.

"Ten miles from the start I received intelligence from Colonel Grey,
at the head of the column, that Doornkop, a hill near the
Speitfontein Mine, was held by 400 Boers, directly barring our line
of advance.

"I repaired immediately to the front, Colonel White remaining with
the rear-guard.

"On arriving at the head of the column, I found the guns shelling a
ridge which our guide stated was Doornkop.

"The excellent dispositions for the attack made by Colonel Grey were
then carried out.

"The B.B.P., under Major Coventry, who, I regret to say, was
severely wounded and lost several of his men, attacked and cleared
the ridge in most gallant style, and pushed on beyond it.

"About this time Inspector Barry received the wound which, we have
learnt with grief, has subsequently proved fatal.

"Chief-Inspector Bodle at the same time, with two troops M.M.P.,
charged and drove off the field a large force of Boers threatening
our left flank.

"The guide had informed us that the road to the right of the hill
was impassable, and that there was open and easy country to the
lef