ionally to see how things were
going, but only for a moment, as it was always the signal for a
perfect storm of bullets. My ammunition-bearer had his head
blown to bits by a 1-lb. shell from a 37-millimetre Maxim, a
most damnable gun. I happened to be in the line of it just
before dark, and they pumped six rounds at me. The first four
pitched in a line about twenty, ten, fifteen, and the fourth
four yards in front of me, and threw dirt all over me, and the
next two just pitched behind me. I didn't like it a bit.... It
was the worst day I have ever spent in my life. Twelve hours
under a constant and heavy fire of Maxims, 12-pounders, and
other quick-firing guns and rifles, a hot sun, no cover, no
water, and no food is more than enough for yours truly.... The
guns yesterday fought magnificently, and I believe fired more
rounds per gun than have ever been fired in a battle before....
We had a lovely wash this morning. I washed shirt and drawers,
besides myself--I wanted it. My clothes have not been off since
we left the Orange River on November 21.... Cronje and Steyn
are said to have both been present at the battle."

In this battle the hardships of warfare were accumulated. Not only had
the troops to display active but passive heroism. Though the longing for
water exceeded the craving for food and repose, the unfortunate fellows
were very near the verge of famine. Their position at times must have
savoured of the tortures of Tantalus, for many of the men were groping
after the enemy in a doubled-up fashion and under a shower of lead,
along farms and gardens, while hens clacked, pigs grunted, goats offered
milk, and potatoes and other edibles smiled a mute invitation. When the
Boers were routed, however, these delicacies at last became the reward
of their labours, but of the niceties of the culinary operations it is
best not to speak. Our gallant Highlanders needed the services of no
Vatel--an old can and a wood fire right royally served their purpose.
The crossing of the river, which was so splendidly effected,
particularly by the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was fraught with
unlooked-for dangers, as the following quotation from a letter of a
private in the regiment will show. Talking of the enemy he said:--

"They held their position for five or six hours, and it was
with great difficulty that we managed to shift t