mpom.
1 company Manchester Mounted Infantry.
3 companies Devons under Captain Travers.

The column set out at 1 a.m. in the direction of Elandskloof. It was a
bright night, although a thick white mist hung everywhere. The 19th
Hussars, who knew the difficult country, conducted the advance. After
marching for two hours the column found itself in the hills. A halt was
made whilst the three companies of the Regiment extended and occupied
the high ground which barred the advance, to drive off any Boers who
might be in possession. This manoeuvre was executed without opposition.
It was learnt, however, that a Boer picquet had been on the top, and had
galloped off on the approach of the infantry. Daylight found the column
in possession of Elandskloof, which was reached after a difficult climb
by steep and circuitous paths. Shortly after daylight several Boers were
observed to be driving their cattle into kloofs above the Badfontein
valley for safety. An advance was made shortly afterwards towards
Schwartz Kopjes, which place was reached without much opposition towards
dark. At Schwartz Kopjes camp was formed for the night, the infantry
entrenching themselves in the kopjes round the camp, with one company
posted in a farmhouse about 400 yards west of the main camp.

On the following day General Kitchener ordered the mounted troops and
guns to make a reconnaissance towards Dulstroom. Whilst the rest of the
force remained in camp, the baggage under escort was sent towards
Belfast. The reconnoitring force fared badly, for after advancing a few
miles Boers in large numbers were seen collecting on the high hills due
west, and approaching at a rapid pace. The reconnoitring force was
shortly afterwards heavily engaged, and compelled to retire on to the
camp.

The infantry were now ordered to retire as rapidly as possible to a
ridge in rear, distant about 2000 to 2500 yards. The cavalry retired
hard pressed on to Schwartz Kopjes, which they held until the infantry
had completed their movement, when the cavalry again retired back to the
neighbourhood of the infantry. Schwartz kopjes were immediately occupied
by the Boers, who collected there in large numbers and endeavoured to
get round the flanks of the column.

Followed hotly by the Boers, the column made a rapid retirement, units
covering each other until camp was reached. It was only then that the
Boers drew off. There was no further engagement that day or during the
night, and