provoked no
reply from the Boers, Lord Methuen felt confident that they had not
only inflicted loss, but had produced considerable moral effect on the
Boer commandos. This, however, was not the case. The fire had but one
important result, that of warning the enemy that an attack was
imminent.

ORDERS FOR ATTACK ON MAGERSFONTEIN RIDGE.

1. Enemy in occupation of kopjes to N. and N.E. of camp and also high
ground between Modder and Riet rivers.

2. It is intention of G.O.C. to hold enemy on north, and to deliver an
attack on southern end of Magersfontein ridge (see map). On the
afternoon of 10th December the position will be bombarded; it will be
assaulted on the 11th. With this end in view three columns will be
formed.

[Sidenote: No. 1 Column.]

3. No. 1 Column will assemble on ground N.E. of 9th brigade camp at 3
p.m. on 10th December in following formation:--

9th Lancers.
Mounted Infantry.
G. Battery R.H.A.
Brigade Division R.F.A. and Howitzer Battery.
Highland Brigade (in mass).
Bearer Company, Highland Brigade.
2nd Yorkshire Light Infantry.
Sec. T.B., R.E.
Balloon Sec. R.E.

The C.R.A. will arrange for a portion of the ammunition column to
accompany this force.

4. The advance will be directed on the southern end of Magersfontein
ridge.

5. At 3 p.m. the R.H.A., cavalry and mounted infantry will advance
covering the front from railway to Modder river; the mounted infantry
forming escort to R.H.A. After the reconnaissance the cavalry will
withdraw to the right flank of Highland brigade and protect that
flank, leaving a party to watch the left of artillery.

6. At 3.10 p.m. the remainder of the column will advance on the
southern end of Magersfontein ridge, keeping well under shelter of
Outpost ridge (concealed from view of enemy) in following order:

Advance Guard--half-battalion; followed at 2.30 p.m. by
half-battalion, R.F.A., remainder of force (except 2nd Yorkshire L.I.)
in the order of parade.

7. The R.F.A. will, when within range, open fire on the ridge,
applying to G.O.C. Highland brigade for an escort.

8. The remainder of column will form up concealed to right rear of
artillery in action.

9. The 2nd Yorkshire L.I. will proceed from place of assembly along
the northern bank of Modder river (under guidance of Rimington's
Guides) to Bridle Drift[199] four miles up river, where they will
entrench themselves against attack from all sides--especially from
north-east