I therefore had no further hesitation in opening fire on the Krugersdorp position.
4.30 p.m.
The two seven-pounders and the 12-1/2 pounder opened on the Boer line, making good practice under Captain Kincaid-Smith and Captain Gosling at 1,900 yards.
[It must have been here that the waggon-loads of dead Boers weren't found.]
5 p.m.
This fire was kept up until 5 p.m. The Boers made practically no reply, but lay quiet in the trenches and battery.
Scouts having reported that most of the trenches were evacuated, the first line consisting of the advanced guard (a troop of 100 men), under Colonel White advanced. Two Maxims accompanied this force; a strong troop with a Maxim formed the right and left supports on either flank.
Lieutenant-Colonel Grey, with one troop B.B.P. and one Maxim, had been previously detailed to move round and attack the Boers' left.
The remaining two troops, with three Maxims, formed the reserve and rearguard.
The first line advance continued unopposed to within 200 yards of the watercourse, when it was checked by an exceedingly heavy cross-fire from all points of the defence.