The column had now reached the shoulder of the kopje, and rested on the snow-covered ground for a short time while Colonel Guinness and the guide looked for a path towards the top. The path, when found, proved to be a mere goat-track, on a narrow ledge with a wall of rock on the right hand and a precipice on the left. On this track there was only room to walk in Indian file, and
“we were about half-way across this bit when the fog lifted a little and showed us what a giddy path we were following. It also showed us a few slouch-hatted figures on a spur below us. I can tell you we company officers were fairly alarmed, caught as we were in a place where movement of any sort, except fore or aft, was impossible, so it was to our great relief that we discovered these men to be a handful of Brabant’s scouts. A few shots were fired at us at about 8 A.M. when we got to the real top of the hill, by a few Boers, some on a knoll below us and others to our front, but these men soon cleared out. The fog was now lifting rapidly and the sun came out as we advanced down into position on the knoll overlooking the Nek itself and the Boer line of retreat. Heavy firing had been going on since dawn, down where the rest of the brigade was, and across the valley where Paget’s brigade was also trying to force the pass. For some time we saw nothing, then a few small mounted parties of Boers were seen riding off towards Fouriesberg. We opened fire, the range I think being about a thousand yards. This was the signal for a regular bolt of the whole Boer force. We fired rapidly on them, but I don’t know if we did much execution firing at such a steep angle downwards. Our right was hurried forward down the hill, but the steepness and difficulty of the ground prevented our getting much closer. By the time we had got well down, practically all the Boers had cleared out. It was wonderful to see how the men bucked up. Before the firing began they were moving about like a lot of cripples, ‘dead to the world,’ and anxious only to get a few minutes to sit down and sleep in. The moment they realised what was going on, all this was thrown off and they were as happy and as energetic as a parcel of schoolboys.”
While the headquarter companies of the battalion were doing this fine piece of rock climbing, G and H were clinging to their ground with the utmost determination. As soon as it became dark Daniell had posted the men with him, about a hundred of all ranks, along the ridge in little detachments of three or four; in front of each post lay a sentry, flat on his stomach, peering over the rocks to watch the movements of the enemy. Up to midnight the Boers “sniped” assiduously; then the fire died away, and Daniell and Kelly moved constantly up and down the line to make sure that the soldiers, lulled by the sudden silence and exhausted by hunger and fatigue, had not fallen asleep. About 4 A.M. on the 24th, Panter-Downes brought up the remainder of H company: while this welcome reinforcement was being posted there was an alarm, caused by the approach of a number of Kaffirs whom the Boers had sent to reconnoitre the position: the men promptly lined the top of the ridge, and speedily gave the burghers to understand that the Royal Irish were quite ready to receive them! When day broke, says one of the officers who was present—
“we quickly found out that the enemy were still there, but they had left the rocks on our left, so we occupied them. They ‘hotted’ us for a bit, but as soon as the companies appeared on the top of the mountain they began to disperse. The guns kept up a hot bombardment, and very soon we could see the enemy beating a retreat all round. We sent down for water and food, made ourselves comfortable, and watched the enemy retire. Brabant’s brought up our gun and the Hotchkiss, and made some splendid practice among the Boers as they left a hill, and we saw a good many of them knocked over.... We received tremendous congratulations for our part in the battle, especially the charge up the hill.... We buried poor Gloster and five men by a tree at the foot of the hill.”[302]
The capture of Slabbert’s Nek cost only forty-four casualties, of which many occurred among the Royal Irish. Captain W. Gloster was killed; Captain E. F. Milner was dangerously wounded; six of the other ranks were killed, and ten wounded, three of whom died of their injuries.[303]
In General Clements’ report of July 26, he gave high praise to the 1st battalion, Royal Irish regiment, in these terms—
“Lieutenant-Colonel H. W. N. Guinness has again proved himself a commanding officer of the first class. His battalion has throughout proved itself to be all that could be desired on service. His leading of a force on the 24th of July over an almost unclimbable hill, and by this means turning the enemy’s position at Slabbert’s Nek, is deserving of special mention.
“Captain W. Gloster, who I regret to say was killed while leading his company at Slabbert’s Nek on the 23rd of July, was an officer of great promise. By his death the Service loses a most valuable company leader.
“Captain E. H. Daniell has proved himself a first-rate company leader in difficult circumstances by the handling of his men on the 23rd and 24th of July, on both of which dates he showed great gallantry.
“Lieutenant J. A. M. J. P. Kelly did particularly good service on the night of the 23rd of July, in leading his men over an open space, 300 yards wide, swept by a heavy cross-fire, and maintaining his position all night at close quarters (20 yards) from the enemy who were holding the rocks and caves in his front.”