e, which was lighted by them and spread
right up to the trenches, endeavoured to attack this part of the
position, in which, however, they also failed. The enemy continued his
endeavours until mid-day, when he commenced to withdraw, his movement
being somewhat expedited by the arrival of the reinforcements under
the General.

Considering the numbers of the attacking force, and the resolute
manner in which they had persevered, the casualties were
extraordinarily small, two officers and three men wounded, one of the
former being Major English himself; he was struck by a shell splinter
in the eye, but most fortunately did not lose the sight of it.

This gallant defence called forth a most eulogistic order from the
Commander-in-Chief. The success had come at a time when it was badly
needed. The guarding of the railways necessitated the splitting-up of
forces, and in more than one recent instance a commander of less
foresight than Major English had failed to realise the responsibility
of his position, with the result that more additions were made to the
already-far-too-long list of 'regrettable incidents.'

The following telegrams passed between General Hart and Major
English:--

Helio message received at Zuikerbosch Fort on July 22nd, 1900, from
General Hart: 'Received following wire from Lord Roberts.
Begins--"Please convey my congratulations to Major English, and all
concerned on the gallant manner in which they defended their post on
the Zuikerbosch."'

Major English made the following reply:--'All in the Zuikerbosch
command thank our General for forwarding Lord Roberts' telegram, which
they consider a great honour.'

The following is an extract from Army Orders in South Africa, dated
Pretoria, July 26th, 1900:--

'_Engagement._--The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief desires that the
following account from Major-General A. Fitzroy Hart, C.B., Commanding
5th Brigade, of the successful defence of a post by a small force of
infantry against a determined attack of the enemy with guns, be
published as an example of what can be accomplished by a small body of
resolute men, well commanded and skilfully and judiciously
entrenched:--

'From General Hart, Zuikerbosch, to Lord Roberts, Pretoria, July 21st:
"Enemy made a determined attempt to destroy my advanced post at
Railhead, Zuikerbosch, to-day. Major English, Royal Dublin Fusiliers,
commands the post, with two companies of Dublins, ten Yeomanry, and
110 Royal Engin