Sir Redvers Buller had now decided to make another attempt to relieve Ladysmith, and this time he proposed to cross the Tugela higher up than Colenso, and force a way through the hills opposite Potgieter’s Drift. Accordingly an army order was issued on 8th January directing the following moves to take place under the orders of Lieut.-General Sir C. F. Clery, K.C.B., on the night of the 9th to 10th January. 2ND DIVISION AND ATTACHED TROOPS (_a_) _Major-General Hildyard’s Column_ Mounted Brigade: 400 of all ranks (including one squadron 13th Hussars). 2nd Infantry Brigade. Divisional Troops: a battery of Royal Field Artillery. Corps Troops: 2 naval 12-pr. guns. To move from Chieveley by the south of Doorn Kop to the camp already selected in the vicinity of Pretorius Farm. (_b_) _Major-General Hart’s Column_ Mounted Brigade: 400 of all ranks. 5th Infantry Brigade. 73rd Battery Royal Field Artillery. 17th Field Company Royal Engineers. Corps Troops: 6 naval 12-pr. guns. To move from Frere by the Frere-Springfield road to the camp selected south of Pretorius Farm. (_c_) _Headquarters and Divisional Troops 2nd Division_ Mounted Brigade: Headquarters and main body Supply Column (from Frere), Medical unit. Divisional Troops: a battery of Royal Field Artillery, Ammunition Column, Supply Column (from Frere), Field Hospital (from Frere). Corps Troops: 2 squadrons 13th Hussars, 2 guns 66th Battery Royal Field Artillery, 2 naval 4·7-inch guns, Supply Column (from Frere). To move from Chieveley (except where otherwise mentioned) by the Frere-Springfield road to the camp south of Pretorius Farm, except that one squadron 13th Hussars for the 5th Division and 2 guns 66th Battery Royal Field Artillery will be left at Frere. 5TH DIVISION AND ATTACHED TROOPS The following troops will move on the evening of 10th January from Frere to Springfield, under the orders of the Lieutenant-General Sir C. Warren, G.C.M.G., K.C.B.:-- _5th Division_ 4th Infantry Brigade. 11th Infantry Brigade. Divisional Troops. _Corps Troops_ 10th Brigade. Artillery-- 61st Battery Royal Field Artillery (Howitzer). 78th Battery Royal Field Artillery. Ammunition Column. Engineers-- Pontoon Troop. Balloon Section. Section Telegraph Division. Supply Park. On 9th January the following explanatory memorandum was issued from Frere Camp:-- 1. The General proposes to effect the passage of the River Tugela, in the neighbourhood of Potgieter’s Drift, with a view to the relief of Ladysmith. 2. Forces (already detailed) will be left at Chieveley and Frere to hold these points, while the remainder of the army is operating on the enemy’s right flank. 3. Springfield will be seized and occupied, and the march of the main body and supplies to that point will be covered by a force encamped about Pretorius Farm.