Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-10-23
THE AFFAIR AT ELANDsLAAGTE.


LADYSMITTI, October 22.-Realizing
that the first attack on Glencoe was part
of a general combined attack by three
columns, and that the situation was
still serious so long as the Beers held
the railway at Elandslaagte, severlng
communication between Ladysmith
and Dundee, Sir George Stewart White
on Friday resolved to give battle with
view of recapturing Elandslaagte.
On the morning of that day all the
mounted troops here, supported by two
battalions of infantry and two batteries
Of artillery, reconnoitered some twelve
miles along the New Castle road. an
open, rolling country, very suitable Tor
cavalry operations.
On approaching within three miles
or so of the break in the railway line
our men saw the Boer outposts falling
back, apparently in no great force. We
captured four. who had mistaken our
men for Beers until we were too near
for them to get away. Then our men
returned and, late Friday night, Gen.
White determined to advance in force
on Elandslaagte at an early hour the
following morning.
At an early hour our forces
moved out by road and rail. 1t was
computed that there were about 1,2OO
Beers, with big guns and maxims COW
ering their front, and occupying well
chosen position at the base of the hill,
some little distance south of Glands
laagte On both tanks were strong
kopjes, on which were three big guns
strongly posted and commanding a
wide sweep on all sides, leaving an
opening for retreat. A British armored
train, supported by two train loads of
infantry, Immediately on approaching
the enemy's position was shelled by
the Beers. Our artillery was at once
brought up and drove the Beers from
their guns, making series of brilliant
dashes into the valley and up the sue
cessive heights to get nearer the Boer
main position. Thrice were the Boer
batteries on the way silenced by our
artillery, although the Beers fought
with great pluck and determination,
returning each time our guns moved
and raining shrapnel and maxim bullets
against our advance.
At 4 o'clock a tremendous artillery
duel was in progress Two Boer guns,
splendidly placed, were stubbornly
fought for two hours and quarter,
while mounted Beers endeavored to
come into contact with our men on the
left and on the right
Then at 6:15 the Devonshire regi-
ment, half the Gordon Highlanders,
half the Manchester regiment and the
Imperial Light Horse advanced on the
position and stormed the enemy's front.
A bayonet charge was sounded as the
roar of artillery on both sides suddenly
ceased, and our men, the Devonshires
leading, making superb dash against
the main body of the Beers, undaunted
by facing a fearful fire.
Twice they were checked by the ter
rible fusilade. Once the advance quiv-
cred for a moment, but then, with
ringing, roaring cheers, the whole OF
our force hurled itself forward like an
avalanche and swept over the kopjes,
bayoneting the broken enemy in all
directions. The Beers were over
whelmed and astounded. They paus-
ed then retreated, then raised the
white flag and surrendered. Two or
three hundred broke and ran, pursued
by the Fifth lancers who charged
through and through them.
The Boer loss according to best esti-
mates, is placed at certainly over 400 kill
ed. One of the captured Beers told me
that He said that if he had known Eng
fish soldiers could shot as our men did, he
would never have come. Another Boer
said he knew he was lighting for lost
cause. The Devonshire regiment cap
tured three Boer flags. Commandant De
Meelcon of Johannesburg, was taken pris-
oner. II is reported that Piet Joubert, who
was wounded and captured, has succumb-
ed TO his wounds. Our losses considering
the desperate nature of the engagement,
are considered light.