General Kelly-Kenny with a brigade of the Sixth Division, General French with a large force of cavalry and infantry from Colesberg, and the whole Seventh Division recently landed from England had concentrated at Modder River Camp. As the plain grew white with the tents of 35,000 combatants, Cronje's advisers, watching, grew more and more uneasy. "They will turn your flank" was day by day the warning of Major Albrecht. But Cronje had a firm belief that no British force would ever be able to leave the railway, and a flanking movement on Lord Roberts' part was impossible unless this was done.
Feb. 10, 1900.] Roberts Ready to Strike.
Preparations for the great blow.
In striking from Modder River instead of Colesberg and Norvals Pont, Lord Roberts had two objects. He wished to begin his campaign with a tremendous blow—and such the destruction of Cronje would prove. He would also be saved the delay which must inevitably be caused by bridging so wide a river as the Orange. If all went well he might be able to turn rapidly upon the Colesberg Boers after settling with Cronje. Whatever happened, he was certain of relieving Kimberley, which the Boers were now shelling with a great 6-inch gun.
[Photo by Robinson, Dublin.
(Of the Bedfordshire Regiment), commanding Mounted Infantry.
LIEUT. TAIT.
Amateur golf champion. Killed at Koodoesberg.