I repaired immediately to the front, Colonel White remaining with the rear-guard.
On arriving at the head of the column, I found the guns shelling a ridge which our guide stated was Doornkop.
The excellent dispositions for the attack made by Colonel Grey were then carried out.
The B.B.P., under Major Coventry, who I regret to say was severely wounded and lost several of his men, attacked and cleared the ridge in most gallant style and pushed on beyond it.
About this time Inspector Barry received the wound which we have learnt with grief has subsequently proved fatal.
Chief-Inspector Bodle at the same time, with two troops M.M.P., charged, and drove off the field a large force of Boers threatening our left flank.
The guide had informed us that the road to the right of the hill was impassable, and that there was open and easy country to the left.
This information was misleading. I afterwards ascertained that without storming the Boer position there was no road open to Johannesburg except by a wide detour of many miles to the right.
8.30 a.m.
At this moment Dr. Jameson received a letter from the High Commissioner again ordering us to desist in our advance. Dr. Jameson informed me at the same time of the most disheartening news, viz., that he had received a message stating that Johannesburg would not or could not come to our assistance, and that we must fight our way through unaided.