perhaps, has a greater power of penetration, but the larger ball of the
old-fashioned fire-arm, which in appearance is not unlike a huge
duck-gun, inflicts a wound which rarely fails to kill. These splendid
Dutchmen shot with all the skill that hatred of the savages and a desire
for vengeance for their late leader could teach, and there could be
noticed on the countenance of each a sterner expression and a more
deadly resolve than usual. From the little fort a gun was now brought
to bear upon the advancing line, but without much effect, as an
intervening spur gave shelter to the foe. The attack was now renewed on
the north side with redoubled vigour; the lines of skirmishers fell
back, and were replaced by a more solid line, supported by the usual
dense column in its rear. Buller saw that it became necessary to remount
his men, and this movement of course weakened the effect of his fire. He
retired, however, slowly, halting now and then, and sending a volley
into the masses which kept pouring up the slopes. Major Russell, at this
juncture, executed a brilliant dash at a body of Zulus who were running
in an easterly direction to gain possession of a ledge of rock, and,
catching them on a favourable piece of ground, with about a score of his
men managed to sabre a great many without the loss of one trooper. This,
however, did not suffice to check the steady advance, and orders were
sent for Buller and Russell to retire slowly within the laager, their
retreat being splendidly covered by Colonel Gilbert and four companies
of his fine regiment, the 13th, who were posted on the right rear of the
laager. One company of the 13th, under Captain Cox, an officer of former
Cape experience, held the cattle laager, which gave a splendid flanking
fire along the front, and these men waited until the Zulus were within
300 yards, and then commenced an independent file firing at the same
time that Gilbert's men delivered a withering volley. As Cox and his men
could not see the right rear, to which point the principal Zulu attack
had now changed, a skilful counter-attack was ordered by Colonel Wood,
who directed Major Hackett to take a couple of companies of the 90th
Light Infantry to advance over the slope, and open a cross-fire upon the
enemy. This movement was magnificently carried out by Hackett, whose men
moved out into the open as if on parade, and with a steady advance, such
as British troops are proud of, marched on to the rear of the cattle
laager, taking the Zulus completely by surprise. Nothing could be better
than the calm and deliberate firing of these men. Every shot told with
deadly effect, and dark bodies and shields soon began to dot the ground.
Still, however, the living stream rolled on, and as one warrior went
down in the death-struggle, another, with a shout of vengeance, sprang
into his place.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account