18.—Severe fighting at Paardeberg, where Cronje was being gradually surrounded.
Capture of Monte Cristo. General Lyttelton’s Division, by a brilliant converging movement, drove the Boers across the river.
19.—Capture of Hlangwane by the Fusilier Brigade. The Boers evacuated the hill, and left a large camp behind them.
Bombardment of Cronje’s position began. Boer reinforcements driven back.
Cronje asked for armistice, but Lord Kitchener demanded his surrender; Cronje refused, and was then bombarded heavily.
Reoccupation of Dordrecht. General Brabant entered the town in the morning, the Boers taking to flight.
20.—General Hart occupied Colenso.
Lord Roberts defeated Boer reinforcements at Paardeberg.
21.—5th Division crossed the Tugela at Colenso.
23.—Advance on Ladysmith continued. The Boers’ position at Grobler’s Kloof attacked.