will move at 4 A.M. east of
the railway in the direction of Hlangwane Hill to a position
where it can protect the right flank of the 2nd Brigade, and,
if necessary, support it or the mounted troops referred to
later as moving towards Hlangwane Hill.

"7. The officer commanding the mounted brigade (the Earl of
Dundonald) will move, at 4 A.M. with a force of 1000 men and
one battery, No. 1 brigade division, in the direction of
Hlangwane Hill. He will cover the right flank of the general
movement, and will endeavour to take up a position on Hlangwane
Hill, where he will enfilade the kopjes north of the iron
bridge. The officer commanding the mounted troops will also
detail two forces of 300 and 500 men, to cover the right and
left flanks respectively and protect the baggage.

"8. The Second Brigade Division of the Royal Field Artillery
will move, at 4.30 A.M., following the Fourth Brigade, and will
take up a position whence it can enfilade the kopjes north of
the iron bridge. The Sixth Brigade (Major-General Barton's)
will act on any orders it receives from Major-General Hart. The
six Naval guns, twelve-pounders, now in position north of the
Fourth Brigade, will advance on the right of the Second Brigade
Division Royal Field Artillery. No. 1 Division Royal Field
Artillery, less one battery detached to the mounted brigade,
will move at 3.30 A.M. east of the railway, and proceed, under
cover of the Sixth Brigade, to a point from which it can
prepare a crossing for the Second Brigade. The six Naval guns
will accompany and act with the Brigade Division."

It must be remembered that the railway bridge had been blown up, but a
footbridge still existed.

[Illustration: SKETCH PLAN OF BATTLE OF COLENSO, MADE ON THE SPOT BY A
MILITARY DRAUGHTSMAN.]

Before dawn Lord Dundonald with a mounted brigade and a battery of
artillery moved to the east, while General Hart and his brigade started
to try and cross Brindle Drift. The field-guns came next with
cavalry--the 1st Royals and 13th Hussars--to protect either flank.
Major-General Hildyard's brigade advanced to occupy the post of honour
in the centre of the theatre of war. On the right were the West Surrey
with the West Yorks in support. On the left marched the Devons with the
East Surrey in rear. At 6 A.M. the Naval Contingent opened the
proceedings.