fantry. The latter replying
succeeded in driving the enemy a quarter of a mile up stream. While
this was occurring the British began a frontal attack in line from the
south--the 6th Division on the {p.283} right, the 9th on the left,
the advance of the infantry line being supported by the batteries,
placed 2,000 yards south-east of the Boer laager. French's horse
artillery also opened from the north bank. As usual in frontal attacks
upon a well-entrenched resolute enemy, the loss of the assailants
greatly exceeded the results obtained. By an eye-witness the action
was likened to Methuens at the Modder.[38] The fire of the batteries,
however, was extremely destructive to the Boer laager, causing several
explosions, and great distress to the enemy could not but ensue from
this injury to their only base.

[Footnote 38: London _Weekly Times_, March 23 and
April 6 (p. iii). In the absence of official
reports other than telegraphic summaries, the
author has based his account chiefly on this
authority.]

The frontal attack was supplemented later by efforts directed upon the
flanks. Three regiments--one a Canadian--of the 19th Brigade at 9 A.M.
crossed at Paardeberg, and thence fought their way a mile
up-stream--east--on the north bank. Here they were stopped, and had to
extend their line to the northward; after which, by short and
desperate rushes, {p.284} they continued to add by driblets to the
ground so far gained. This was strictly a flank attack, and not only
shortened by so much the Boer front, but enabled the assailants to
enfilade their line in part. The attempt was imitated on the eastern
flank by the mounted infantry which, after the arrival of the foot
divisions, had moved east from Paardeberg and established themselves
on the Boers' eastern flank at Koodoosrand Drift. These crossed at
this point at about noon and fought west. An hour later they were
supported by the two right--east--regiments of the British line, which
by a rush reached the river below Koodoosrand, where a number crossed.
These moved west in two parties, in mutual support on either bank.

The frontal attack and the flank movements so far stated summarize the
details of this action. Support was sent from time to time as occasion
demanded and opportunity offered, especially to the flanking parties.
The net result of the day was that Cronje's force, from