Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-10-25
WAR NEWS FROM AFRICA.

Ladysmith, Natal, Oct. 23.-General
de Kock, one of the principal Boer
officers and member of the executive
council of the Transvaal, was wound
ed in the fighting at Elandslaagte, was
subsequently captured, and died of his
wounds Many other Beers were
captured, including Commandant
Schiel, a German volunteer officer,
who was formerly an officer in the
German army, and Pet Joubert, a
nephew of the cOmmandant general Of
the Transvaal forces. The loss in
killed and wounded was heavy on both
sides, that of the British being esti-
mated at 100.
The British We're commanded by
General French, with Colonel Hamil-
ton in charge of the infantry. Cen
eral Sir George Stewart White. the
British commander in Natal, was pres
ent throughout the action, giving ad-
vice and encouragement to the subordi-
nate officers, but leaving the direction
OF the engagement to General French.
Troops Under General Smith.
The forces under General French
comprised the Fifth lancers, one
squadron of the Fifth dragons, the
Imperial light horse, two squadrons Of
the Natal mounted volunteers, the
Twenty-tirst and Forty-second field
batteries, the Natal field artillery, the
Devonshire infantry, half battalion
of the Gordon Highlanders, and half a
battalion of the Manchester infantry.
This included reinforcements which
were sent to General French's sup
port upon his report that the enemy
was strongly intrenehed in position
OF great natural advantage for defense
and IN greater number than had been
supposed. The Beers began the &C.
ton in a desultory way by firing on
these reinforcements with artillery as
they came up from Ladysmith. The
English artillery played on the guns
OF the enemy, which were bravely de-
tended. The Boer gunners were driven
OF several times, but returned when
the opportunity afforded and renewed
their fire.
Flank Movements Win the Day.
Late In the afternoon the English
infantry marched forward on the enc
my's left and secured possession of
strong high ground, forcing the Beers
to retire. This involved very strong
flank movement. The infantry also
fancked the enemy's right, which held
very strong position, which was well
defended until flank attack was made
and the main position was carried with
rush, though with heavy loss. The
Boer camp, with wagons and guns,
was captured as daylight failed.
The Gordon Highlanders, the Man
chester regiment, the lancers, and the
Imperial Light horse made the flank
attacks, while the Devonshire regi-
ment attacked in front.
The Devonshire regiment made a
superb rush against the main body Of
the Beers in the face of a whitening
fire. They were twice checked, and
the advance Quivered. for moment
Then with a ringing, roaring cheer the
regiment hurled itself on the enemy
like an avalanche. 1t swept over the
kopjes, bayoneting the broken enemy
In all directions. The Beers were
overwhelmed and astounded. They
paused, then retreated, and later raised
white flag and surrendered. Two
or three hundred broke and ran. The
Fifth lancers pursued and charged
through them.
Battlefield Rough and Stony.
The battlefield was very rough and
stony, and, with the enemy's resolute
resistance, the victory was fine feat
of arms. There were continued heavy
rains during the engagement. The
Gordon Highlanders say that the bat
tie Of Dargal was child's play COM
pared with the fighting at Glands.
laagte. A 14-year-old bugler belong
Ing to the Fifth lancers shot three
Beers with a revolver. He was car
ried round the camp when the troops
returned. Everybody testifes to the
splendid fighting and stubborn bravery
of the Beers. They were surprised BY
the good shooting of the Englishmen.
The Orange Free State commands
We're concentrating near Ladysmith in
large force and this blow at one of the
enemy's main forces was most impor-
tant. The British killed and wounded
about $50, according to the
report sent to the war office In London
by General Sir George Stewart White.
That of the Beers is much higher.
while many were captured.
KILLED AND WOUNDED.
Victims OF the Bloody Battle EouRht n
Elandslaagts.
London, Oct. PAN official dispateh