Chapter 10

THE GREAT ASSAULT

Why the Boers attacked--Interesting versions--A general surprise-- Joubert's promise--Boer tactics reconsidered--Erroneous estimates-- Under cover of night--A bare-footed advance--The Manchesters surprised--The fight on Waggon Hill--In praise of the Imperial Light Horse--A glorious band--The big guns speak--Lord Ava falls-- Gordons and Rifles to the rescue--A perilous position--The death of a hero--A momentary panic--Man to man--A gallant enemy--Burghers who fell fighting--The storming of Cæsar's Camp--Shadowy forms in the darkness--An officer captured--"Maak Vecht!"--Abdy's guns in play--"Well done, gunners!"--Taking water to the wounded-- Dick-Cunyngham struck down--Some anxious moments--The Devons charge home--A day well won 180