J. Finnemore.]
The men at the enemy's guns were bayonetted, and some volleys were poured in upon the host of fugitives tearing down the other side of the hill. A few unwounded and many wounded prisoners were taken.
But as the enemy fled in the falling darkness, the Lancers and Light Horse rode at them. From the nature of things they could give no mercy. The terrible steel spears did their work amongst the yelling, panic-stricken fugitives; the Light Horse, too, had much to avenge—the murder of Edgar and innumerable shameful outrages in the past—and they avenged it. It was a complete and decisive victory, the first that had been gained in the war.
British and Boer losses.
[Oct. 21, 1899.
The British losses were heavy, considering that less than 3,000 men had been engaged on our side. Fifty-five were killed and 199 wounded, the Gordons suffering most severely. One-third of the half-battalion engaged was left upon the ground, and fourteen officers, amongst whom was their colonel, were killed or wounded. The Imperial Light Horse also lost their colonel, Scott-Chisholm, shot three times in quick succession as he reached the top of the ridge. Major Sampson, who had fought the Boers before, and suffered for the honour of an Englishman long years of imprisonment in Pretoria Jail, now poured out his blood once more for his country. What the enemy's loss was it is impossible to say; 65 Boers were buried by the British on the ridge, at least 50 were killed by the Lancers, and as many more may have been removed before the assault. In killed alone the Boers must have lost 150. Two hundred prisoners, mostly wounded, were taken, and probably 200 wounded were removed. The Johannesburg commando, about 2,000 strong, was completely broken up.
[Photo by Lambert Weston, Folkestone.
Born in 1852. Served in the Militia, but joined the 8th Hussars as Lieutenant in Feb. 1874, and changed to the 19th Hussars in March. Captain 1880. Major 1883. Served in the Nile Expedition in 1884-5, and accompanied Sir H. Stewart's column in the attempt to rescue Gordon at Khartoum. Lt.-Colonel, 1885. Colonel, 1889. In command of Cavalry Division in South Africa with rank of Lt.-General, 1899; won the victory of Elandslaagte, Major-General 1900 (in recognition of his services in relieving Kimberley).
"Remember Majuba!"