[From a Sketch by Capt. W. S. Carey.
This picture includes about 2½ miles of the river, which divided the contending armies. It is taken from behind the British positions, looking almost due north towards Ladysmith, which lies behind the hills a little to the left of the centre. In the foreground are the 4·7-inch naval guns being brought into position by ox-teams. To the left is an armoured train, and in the extreme right a portion of a Kaffir kraal.
DEATH OF LIEUTENANT ROBERTS, ONLY SON OF FIELD-MARSHAL LORD ROBERTS OF KANDAHAR, IN AN ATTEMPT TO RECOVER THE ABANDONED GUNS AT COLENSO.
Lieut. Roberts is seen on the extreme right of the picture. He fell mortally wounded; Capt. Congreve returned to his assistance, and brought him in.
[CHAPTER VI.]
THE FIRST BATTLE OF COLENSO.
The battle begins—Bombardment of Fort Wylie—Artillery pushed forward—The Boers open fire—The guns abandoned—General Hart's position—The Dublin Fusiliers attempt to ford the Tugela—Their retirement ordered—Failure to carry Hlangwane—Advance of Hildyard's Brigade—General withdrawal ordered—Death of Lieutenant Roberts—Guns and men captured by the Boers—Retirement effected in good order—Our losses—Scarcity of water—Bravery of the Army Medical Corps—Impressions of an eye-witness—Armistice—A day of blunders.
The battle begins.