The line of the retreat to Molteno was to the west of the ridge which rises between the colliery line and the Kissieberg, and so gave some shelter from the enemy's fire. The minished battalions struggled along, some of the companies being able at first to keep their formation, though, long before they arrived at Molteno, almost all had fallen into disarray. The fatigue of the men had reached its climax, and most of them could hardly keep on their feet. Whenever there was a necessary halt, not a few fell down, asleep almost before they reached the ground, and it was with difficulty that they could be again roused. They suffered very much from thirst as there were no water-carts, and they had had no opportunity of drinking during many hours. The batteries of artillery remained in action at +b+ for some time. They then retired alternately, and by their steadiness and the excellence of their practice held the enemy at bay. [Sidenote: Boers gain a second gun, but do not seriously pursue.] The Boers followed in the rear sufficiently close to necessitate the abandonment of a second gun, which stuck in a water course, but there was no determined attempt at vigorous pursuit, and when once the kopjes had been passed, the mounted infantry were able to keep at a distance those of the enemy who did not linger in the valley to loot. [Sidenote: Distribution of troops after action.] The various units of Sir W. Gatacre's force reached Molteno between 11 a.m. and 12.30 midday. In the evening they were moved as follows: _To Cypher Gat:_ Divisional staff and Royal artillery, by train; mounted infantry, by road. _To Sterkstroom:_ Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Irish Rifles, by train. _To Bushman's Hoek:_ Royal engineers and two companies Royal Scots, by train. [Sidenote: British losses, Dec. 10th/99.] The British casualties in the action at Stormberg were: Killed. Wounded. Missing. Officers --- 8 13 Other Ranks 25 102 548 --- --- --- Total 25 110 561 --- --- --- Colonel Eagar, Royal Irish Rifles, died some months later of the wounds received in this action. [Sidenote: Boer losses.] The casualties of the Boers were 8 killed and 26 wounded. Commandant Swanepoel afterwards died of his wounds. [Sidenote: Points to be noted.]