Advancing to relieve Kimberley at the beginning of the war, Methuen attempted a night attack at Belmont on 22–23 November 1899. He sent Colville off with his brigade to assault Gun Hill: although the attack was a failure, Nugent received his first Mention in Dispatches for his work that night. He distinguished himself again at the Battle of Modder River and was present at the Battle of Magersfontein.