before the central attack was
delivered, and that the 5th brigade would thus be able to render
substantial assistance in the assault on the bridge; even if General
Hart did not succeed in passing his battalions across the river, Sir
Redvers anticipated that he would, in any case, be able at least to
cover the left flank of the main attack by engaging the enemy on the
western side.[225]

[Footnote 225: See despatch to the War Office, dated 17th
December, 1899.]

[Sidenote: Orders for right flank.]

[Sidenote: and for watching left flank.]

The right flank of the main attack was to be guarded by the 6th
brigade (Barton's), less half a battalion on baggage guard duty, and
the mounted brigade. Lord Dundonald, who was in command of the latter
unit (the total effective strength of which was about 1,800), was
instructed to detail 500 men to watch the right flank of the enemy,
and 300 to cover Buller's right flank and protect the baggage. With
the remainder of his brigade, and a battery detached from No. 1
brigade division, "he will," said the order, "cover the right flank of
the general movement and will endeavour to take up a position on
Hlangwhane Hill, whence he will enfilade the kopjes north of the iron
bridge."

[Sidenote: for 6th brigade.]

The 6th brigade was further charged with covering the advance of No. 1
brigade division.

[Sidenote: for 4th brigade.]

The 4th brigade was directed to remain in reserve midway between the
left and main attacks, ready to support either if required.

[Sidenote: for ammunition columns, pontoons, hospitals, engineers,
bearer companies.]

The ammunition columns and Pontoon troop were to be parked in the
first line of the baggage in rear of Shooter's Hill, behind which the
four Field Hospitals were also pitched. Two sections of the 17th
company R.E. were attached to General Hart's brigade, the remainder of
the company being allotted to General Hildyard's. The Bearer companies
marched with their brigades.

Verbal instructions were given to general officers at the conference
that if the Colenso kopjes were carried the force would bivouac among
them on the night of the 15th.

ORDERS BY LIEUT.-GENERAL SIR FRANCIS CLERY, K.C.B., COMMANDING SOUTH
NATAL FIELD FORCE.

Chieveley,
14th December, 1899. 10 p.m.

1. The enemy is entrenched in the kopjes north of Colenso bridge. One
large