South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 5 (of 8): From the Disaster at Koorn Spruit to Lord Roberts's Entry into PretoriaCreswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 5 (of 8): From the Disaster at Koorn Spruit to Lord Roberts's Entry into Pretoria
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
On the same day 800 Boers were found at Israel's Poort, some seven miles
from Thabanchu. Their demeanour was aggressive. They were posted on a
semicircle of small kopjes, carefully entrenched and protected by two
guns and barbed-wire entanglements. General Ian Hamilton decided that
the Dutchmen must be removed, and removed they were, mainly by the
gallantry of the Canadians and the Shropshires, supported by the
Grahamstown Horse. With remarkable celerity the hills were cleared and
the Boers driven off. The Canadians, commanded by Colonel Otter,
approached by clever successive rushes to the foot of the kopjes before
the Boers opened fire. Then, in the midst of a sharp volley from the
enemy they came on the barbed-wire entanglements, but, undaunted, cut or
cleared them, and with a gallant rush ascended the hill. With great
ingenuity they took whatever cover they could, while from above, the
storm from the hostile Mausers--which during the engagement had doubled
in number--grew hotter and hotter. Colonel Otter was struck in the neck,
but pursued his way, cheering on his gallant men. Presently another
bullet found him out; tore from his shoulder its badge, but did no
further damage. Still up they all went, with a glorious, an inspiriting
yell, which apparently sent the Federals scudding into space. The crest
of the hill was now the property of the Canadians and the Grahamstown
Volunteers, who unfortunately lost a valuable officer--Captain Gethin.
The Canadian losses were not so heavy as might have been expected, owing
to the skill with which their advance was arranged and carried out; but
the splendid turning movement was not without cost to others. During the
fight Major Marshall (Grahamstown Mounted Rifles) was severely wounded,
and also Lieutenants Murray, Winnery, Barry, Hill, and Rawal. Colonel
Otter (Canadian Regiment), as has been said, was only slightly injured.
The same night General Hamilton occupied Thabanchu.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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