C. G. Martyr, were now
protecting Kitchener's right flank; the squadron of Imperial Light
Horse, under Capt. H. Bottomley, dismounted and ascended Brynbella
Hill, where with much coolness and gallantry they covered the
retirement of the infantry. The Border was also moved forward from
Beacon Hill to support the retreating troops. In this manner the whole
was withdrawn and subsequently fell back on Estcourt, General Hildyard
having decided that it was better to keep his brigade concentrated,
ready to move in any direction that might be necessary. The total
British loss in this action was eleven men killed, one officer and
sixty-six men wounded, and one officer and seven men taken prisoners.
A considerable portion of these losses was due to the attempts of
combatants to assist the wounded to the rear during the
retirement.[183]

[Footnote 183: This practice had grown up in the British
service through the large number of wars with savages, who
killed the wounded and mutilated the dead.]

[Sidenote: Joubert, Nov. 25th, retreats.]

The action of Willow Grange brought home to Joubert the fact that his
commandos were in a hazardous situation, and in that way, therefore,
tended to clear south Natal of the enemy. If the Estcourt and Mooi
River forces could have closed on the Boer laager simultaneously, it
is probable that more important results would have been achieved. To
gain this object Major-General Hildyard despatched on the 22nd a
written message to Major-General Barton, stating his plan of attack,
and asking for his co-operation. Unfortunately this message was not
sent in duplicate, and the native to whom it was entrusted did not
deliver it until 10.30 a.m. on the following morning; by that time
Hildyard's troops had withdrawn from Brynbella, and were retiring on
Estcourt. The Boer Commandant-General was not disposed to run any more
risks, and by the 25th the burghers were in full retreat back to the
Tugela, taking with them much cattle and many valuable horses, which,
in spite of the vehement remonstrances of Piet Joubert, had been
looted from the rich grazing grounds of central Natal. The main body
of the Boers moved eastward to gain the crossing of Bushman's river at
Weenen. A small detachment passed round Estcourt about twelve miles to
the westward.

[Sidenote: Boers escape over Tugela unscathed. Nov. 28th.]

A reconnoitring column, consisting of about 300 of Thorneycroft's
regiment