1300 yards, was halted on the western extremity of a
horseshoe-shaped ridge. The opposite end of this ridge, which was
extremely rugged and broken, was held by the enemy in force. The first
battalion Manchester Regiment had struck the ridge fully 1000 yards to
the south-east, just at the point where it begins to bend round
northwards. The second battalion Gordon Highlanders were one mile in
rear.

[Illustration: LIEUT.-GENERAL J. D. P. FRENCH.

Photo by Lambert Weston & Son, Folkestone.]

Now, no sooner had the Devonshire Regiment commenced to move forward
than they attracted the shell of the enemy, but owing to the loose
formation adopted, the loss at this time was slight. In spite of the
furious fire, the regiment still pushed on to within 900 yards of the
position, and then opening fire, held the enemy in front of them till 6
P.M. The batteries also advanced and took up a position on a ridge
between the Devonshire and Manchester Regiments, about 3200 yards from
the enemy. Then began an animated artillery duel, the roar of guns
mingling with the thunder of heaven, which at this juncture seemed to
have attuned itself to suit the stormy state of the human tempest that
was raging below. At this period considerable damage was done. Captain
Campbell, R.A., was wounded, an ammunition waggon overturned, and many
men and horses were killed or injured. For some time the interchange of
deadly projectiles was pursued with vigour, then the 42nd Field Battery
came into action. The Imperial Light Horse now moved left of the enemy's
position; some mounted Boers at once pushed out and engaged them. Soon
after this the guns from above ceasing firing, our gunners turned their
attention to the mounted Boers, who rapidly fell back. Then, as the sun
was setting and dark clouds were rolling over the heavens and screening
the little light that remained, the infantry pressed forward. The plan
was that while the Devonshire Regiment made a frontal attack, the
Manchester Regiment, supported by the Gordons with the Imperial Light
Horse on the right, were to advance along the sloping ridge, turn the
enemy's flank and force him back on his main position. This movement was
to be supported by the artillery, which was to close in as the attack
developed.

The Devons, under Major Park, marched out, as said, leading the way
across the plateau and into the valley coolly and deliberately, though
under a terrific fire from above. The Boer guns, which