South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of HostilitiesCreswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of Hostilities
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
Colonel Guinness[9] also fell by the guns, having fired the last shot
of case on the advancing enemy before he was killed. Captain C. W.
Collins (Cheshire Regiment), who died of his wounds, Lieutenant
Jackson (King's Own Royal Lancashire Regiment), Lieutenant Sloan
(R.A.M.C.), Lieutenant Robertson (Scottish Horse), played glorious
parts in this melancholy scene, and Lieutenants Bircham and Crichton
(King's Royal Rifle Corps) distinguished themselves by remaining
gallantly in command of their respective units though severely wounded
early in the fight. The attack on the camp itself was easily driven
off, but no further reinforcements could be sent to the ridge, nor
were guns in camp able to materially assist the defence with the
rearguard. All hands in camp worked hard to entrench the position
which, before night, was rendered so strong that no subsequent attack
was made. Colonel Wools-Sampson took command of Colonel Benson's
column, and on the 31st the columns of Colonel Barter and General G.
Hamilton went hot foot to his support. The bulk of the enemy with the
captured guns had, however, disappeared beyond the reach of the
British force. Of the losses on both sides Mr. Bleloch wrote:--
"Of Colonel Benson himself every voice proclaims him a hero.
Though grievously wounded, he sent back to Major Wools-Sampson,
telling him not to send out the ambulances because the Boers
would take the opportunity of removing the guns, but to
continue bursting shrapnel just on and over the ridge to
prevent any further advance of the enemy. Major Wools-Sampson
acted on these orders, and it was in imminent danger from our
own gun and Maxim firers, as well as from the enemy, that some
of the survivors of the Scottish Horse and Yorkshires moved
about helping their wounded and dying comrades. Dr. Sloane, of
the Scottish Horse, is praised by every one. The fire from the
camp and from the other positions commanded by Major
Wools-Sampson checked any further advance of the enemy. The
Boers had paid dearly for their bravery, and their enthusiasm
died down, though they continued a heavy fire all round the
position. Major Wools-Sampson had taken every measure for the
safety of the camp. He reinforced the southern positions held
by the 25th Mounted Infantry, under Major Eustace, and called
up all the Transport Commissariat officers and men to aid in
defending the camp proper. When Colonel Benson was brought in
about nine o'clock at night he told Major Wools-Sampson to see
to his defences, because Botha had stated that unless he
surrendered he would attack in the morning with 1400 men. The
men were put to work entrenching, and by daylight the position
was impregnable. The heroism on the ridge and the clever
dispositions of the determined soldier commanding the camp had
baulked the Boers, and Botha admitted that the fight was a
failure.
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