PLAN OF THE BATTLE OF ELANDSLAAGTE.
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.
W. Dewar.]
This operation had to be performed in a pouring rain and in almost total darkness.
The Natal Artillery opened the battle by directing a fire upon the railway station. At once the Boers replied. Two shells, beautifully aimed, fell right amongst the British guns, putting one ammunition waggon out of action. Our weapons were old and feeble 7-pounders, the Boer guns long-range quick-firing 14-pounders—the weapons lost in the shameful Raid, and now by strange retribution pointed against the brave men who had to pay for the deplorable mistakes of the past. Nothing but withdrawal could have saved the Natal Artillery. The guns fell back and the British force hastened out of range, while General French telegraphed instantly for reinforcements.
[Oct. 21, 1899.