The column surprised.
If at this moment the uselessness of persisting in the enterprise with worn-out men had been realised, and a prompt retreat ordered, no mischief would have resulted. But, far from retreating, the force pushed on in the dim light carelessly, in close order, as though there had been no enemy within miles. "No cheering, men, but get in silently with the bayonet," was General Gatacre's only order. In the breaking daylight, an admirable target, the column defiled past a line of kopjes. Suddenly from these burst forth the flash of rifles, and a staggering fire was poured in upon the mass of men beneath.
A BOER VEDETTE.
The fire was so fierce that it stopped the column's progress. The British, and not the enemy, had been surprised. And the British soldier after twenty-four hours of weary journeying by train, waiting under arms, and marching, was in no condition to grapple with a fresh enemy, ensconced in positions of great natural strength. Yet, recovering from their first astonishment and consternation at the murderous fire, the British regimental officers and privates of the Northumberland Fusiliers and Irish Rifles dashed at the kopjes.
MAP OF THE BATTLE OF STORMBERG.
THE BATTLE OF STORMBERG: CHARGE OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS.
The fight.