racted to quarter-column before the hill was reached. Arrived at
the foot, there was a short halt in a donga. Then the ascent, which
from the halting-place was at once very steep and covered with
boulders, was essayed. Higher up, more gentle gradients led to the
summit. Scarcely had the leading companies, somewhat disordered by the
severe climb, emerged upon the easier ground near the top, when a
single shot from a Boer sentry rang out close in front of the foremost
files. It was instantly followed by a blaze of musketry which leaped
from the whole crest. A volley so sudden and heavy could only come
from men prepared for action; it was evident that the advance of the
Suffolk was not only detected but awaited. Nevertheless, "H." company,
supported by "D.," immediately dashed forward, at once losing both its
officers and many men, the regimental adjutant and another officer
being struck down at the same moment. Watson, recognising the
preparations made to receive him, seeing from the confusion which had
arisen the futility of so informal an attack, directed a retirement,
intending, doubtless, no more than that his men should temporarily
seek the cover of the dead ground from which they had just climbed.
But such instructions, at such a time, were more easy to obey than to
understand. Whilst some fell back but a short distance, many made
their way to the foot of the hill, and so to the camp. Some again were
unable to retreat under the tremendous fusilade, and together with
those who had not heard the word of command, or did not credit it,
held on in front, and suffered losses rapidly. In short, for a few
moments, though the officers worked hard to restore regularity,
confusion reigned in the column, whilst the Boer fire continued to
rake it without cessation. Watson then desired the commander of the
third company, ("A."), to support "H." company upon the crest. Captain
C. A. H. Brett, having extricated about half his men from the press,
pushed out to the right flank and advanced. A storm of fire, delivered
at a few yards' range, met this attempt, and here, as before, all the
officers (three) and many of the rank and file fell before they could
close. Still Watson, whose gallantry compelled order wherever his
influence could be felt, strove to retrieve the situation. Going back
a little, he called up the rear company ("B.") and led it forward in
person, making for the right front. Again a murderous fire shattered
the effort,