Grobler's Kloof the Volunteer Light Infantry, a corps that had been
doing splendid work throughout, met the enemy, and a sharp encounter was
maintained, but they were outnumbered by their assailants. An armoured
train brought troops to their assistance, and these enabled them to
return safely to headquarters. The naval gunners were active, and scored
as usual, for they finally succeeded in putting the big gun on Hepworth
Hill out of action. "Long Tom," an objectionable weapon and a great
favourite with the enemy, was now posted on Mount Umbulwana, whence at
intervals it spat viciously upon the town, but without causing serious
damage. The enemy, as we know, made a move towards Colenso, and the
officer commanding at that place decided to fall back with men and
horses on Estcourt. The move over some twenty miles of hilly country was
admirably executed, and all stores, huts, kit, &c., were preserved.

Meanwhile Sir George White sent out a strong force under the command of
Colonel Brocklehurst, reinforced by the 5th Dragoon Guards, Royston's
Horse, and two batteries, for the purpose of making a flank attack on
the Boer commando that was advancing on Colenso. Splendid work was done,
the Boers being routed from all their positions and three guns silenced.
The Imperial Light Horse pressed too far into a gully, and for a time
their position was critical, but they were extricated by the 5th Dragoon
Guards. The Boers took up a strong position on the hills, and were
shelled with terrific effect by the British artillery. Finally they
retreated, and were cut to pieces by the cavalry. Quantities of
prisoners were made, and over a thousand burghers were said to be
slain--in fact, the veldt was a complete parquet of dead Dutchmen.
Lieutenant the Hon. R. Pomeroy, 5th Dragoon Guards, greatly
distinguished himself by pluckily riding to the rescue of a dismounted
trooper and carrying him out of the fire zone. Captain Knapp and
Lieutenant Brabant were killed.

At Ladysmith there was temporary peace after the enemy's fire had
succeeded in hitting the hospital and a hotel. Fortunately no one was
injured. All were mourning the loss of Major Taunton, Captain Knapp, and
Lieutenant Brabant, who fell in the engagement on the previous day.
General French, by what is termed "a close shave," succeeded in getting
out of Ladysmith, and went down to Cape Town to take over the command of
the Cavalry Brigade, and General Wolfe-Murray at Estcourt, with a