Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1899-12-14

Gen. Gatacre, while moving out with
1900 men and two batteries Of artillery
from Putter's kraal In the hope of sur
prising the Beers at Stormberg, was mis-
led by his guides, and found himself In an
untenable position, with the result that he
was obliged to retire, with severe losses,
upon Molteno. He reports over $50 off,
GERS and men missing, in addition to
small list Of killed and wounded.
A correspondent cables: The willy
Beers led the British into a trap by fur
nishing Gatacre and his spies with false
information that the enemy's camp at
Stromberg could be easily taken by sur
prise and captured. Gatacre was told
that the Beers there numbered only 2,5OO
and were In a weak condition. The Cen
eral determined to make an early morning
march with a strong column and strike
rapid blow.
The troops chosen were the Second
Royal Irish rifles, the Second Northum-
berland Fusiliers, the Kings Shr0pshires,
the Second Royal Berkshires acting as
mounted infantry, and field batteries Nos.
"A and II. We marched out smartly, but
cautiously, from Putterskraal, and got
within two miles of Stromberg without
the slightest indication Of the where
ab0uts Of the Beers. Our forces were
proceeding cautiously when suddenly we
were met by hail Of bullets coming from
behind the low ridges to the front and
right flank. The reception was too warm
to Withstand, and we quickly sought shell
ter behind kopje. The other troops did
the same. We were pretty well covered
from the rain Of rifle fire, but the big
guns threw their shells unpleasantly
around us. Our field batteries swung
into line and did splendid work, keeping
the Beers off while we sought better
position half a mile away. Here we found
ground shelter, and the infantry quickly
got into position and opened fire at long
range, while the mounted infantry were
sent out to try and get at the Beers right
flank.
Up to this time we had suffered but lit
tie, but new danger suddenly appeared.
The Beers who ambushed us were in
front and on our right flank, but now
there came from the north another strong
commando all mounted, who menaced our
left flank. Gatacre sent the Irish and
Northumberland regiments to meet them,
and the result was simply disastrous, for
they dashed straight into the deadly fire
of a number of machine guns, which the
Beers had slyly placed in a concealed po-
sition. 1t was evident we had caught a
Tartar and were in a nasty position. The
Irishmen and Northumberland got back
as best they could, each with 300 men
gone.
There was nothing to do but retire. The
Beers numbered at least 5000. British
discipline saved the army. There was no
confusion or disorder. Every man was
in his place and the retreat was carried
out in perfect order, the column being
covered by mounted infantry and artil-
lery, ready to swing into position at any
moment.
The Beers followed closely, swarming
around our TANKS, and dragged along two
forty-pounders, which they trained on us
at every opportunity. Had their gunners
been worth their salt they would have in
flicted severe damage on us, but their aim
was wild and our casualties were surpris-
ingly few. AS we neared the Molteno
camp the Beers gave up the pursuit and
drew off.