The retreat of the Dundee force was admirably conceived and well executed. Yet it is impossible to deny that the gravest risks were run by hanging on to a very exposed position with a small force. Had the Boers shown their wonted activity, the detachment must have been destroyed or captured. It owed its escape to gallant fighting and good luck. [Sidenote: OCT. 20,21, 1899.] _Operations at Elandslaagte._] While these things had been happening at Dundee, General White, at Ladysmith, had not been inactive. Much of his attention had been occupied by the Orange Free State commandoes, which showed in great strength, perpetually threatening Ladysmith and the route to Colenso, but always retreating when any attempt was made to bring them to battle. This was good strategy, and an essential part of the campaign for the capture of Dundee and its garrison. On the 19th the arrival of a small force of the enemy at Elandslaagte and the capture of a train at the station there became known. A previous train, which was actually standing in the station when the Boers arrived on the scene, escaped through the daring and presence of mind of the engine-driver, who turned on full steam and dashed through the enemy towards Dundee, before they could bring guns to bear. On the 20th General French went out towards Elandslaagte with a few mounted infantry and some cavalry, supported by two battalions, to reconnoitre. As the troops moved off, far away from the north-east came the dull booming of the cannon, which told of battle raging at Dundee. The day was so rainy and misty that little could be ascertained. The British troops fell back in the afternoon, and heard the cheering news of a great victory at Dundee. [Illustration: PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF ELANDSLAAGTE.] [Sidenote: Battle of Elandslaagte.] On the 21st General French once more left Ladysmith, very early. He had with him the Imperial Light Horse, raised from the British Outlanders, six guns of the Natal Artillery, and 400 of the Manchester regiment in a train. An armoured train accompanied the cavalry. Elandslaagte was very cautiously approached, but towards 8·30 a.m. the enemy came into sight. The Boers were riding about on the small plain in which Elandslaagte is situated; their main position was on a long, rocky ridge which dropped at the northern end to a "nek" or pass, where could be discerned their camp. Beyond this again was a small detached hill. Just behind the camp rose a high, conical mountain, on which breastworks of stone could be made out, dominating the whole position. Black figures could be seen all along the sky-line of the ridge, indicating that the enemy was in force. [Illustration: _W. Dewar._] REMOVING THE WOUNDED AFTER THE BATTLE OF ELANDSLAAGTE. This operation had to be performed in a pouring rain and in almost total darkness.]