New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-07
THE FIGHT AT DOORNBALT FARM.
TWO THOUSAND BoERs ATTACKED WITH
VIGOR-VALOR OF THE CANADIANS.

TWO THOUSAND BOERS ATTACKED WITH
vIGOR-vALOR OF THE CANADIANS.
Klerksdorp, Transvaal Colony, April G.-De-
tails received of the battle at Doornbalt Farm
on March 81 in which the British had officers
and "a men killed and 16 officers and 13f men
wounded while the Beers had l3I men killed
or wounded show that quite two thousand
Beers opened strong attack from different
points. with three guns and pompom. This
attack was made at a moment when the British
had left their luggage in laager in charge of the
Canadian contingent and were galloping across
the open plain with the intention of capturing
a Boer convoy which had been discovered five
miles ahead. The British retired steadily, and
having dismounted, opened a return fusillade on
the Beers.
While the baggage in charge OF the Canadians
was sent for the British formed a camp and
started digging trenches. The Smelling of the
Beers stampeded the mules carrying provisions
and caused confusion. But otherwise 1t was not
very effective. many shells failed to explode.
The Boer attack very bold and de-
termined. The Canadians in front at
tackled in strong numbers. and CALAMITY re-
break through them. One party of the Cana
dams fought until all were killed or wounded,
and the last man of this party. although NOR
tally wounded emptied two bandoliers Of
cartridges at the enemy and then broke his
rife.
The fighting was severe and general for fully
three hours but after the British had formed
their camp and started the trenches, and the
guns got into action, the British forces. In close
order. repealed numerous and determined at
tacks made under the personal exhortation of
the BOer leaders.
Toward night the fire gradually ceased and
The British then telegraphed for aid and fur
ther intrenched their camp for the night and
TO await the arrival of General Kitchener. but
rf,a Inar mao AH no "a q
Details received here of the rear guard action
during the night of March 81, between the Sec
ond Dragon Guards, of Colonei Lawley's
column and the Beers, near Boschmans Kop,
show that a force of two hundred British. while
endeavoring to surprise Beer laager on dark
night rode straight into a force OF five hundred
Beers. The Beers were hidden in drift and
opened fire from almost under the legs of the
Rritish horses A fierce hand to- hand struggle
ensued in which both sides freely used the butt
ends of their rifles The British regained the
ridge they had just left and began rear guard
action.
In the mean time strong force of Beers had
barred the road back to the British camp The
coming of daylight enabled Colonel Lawley to
see that the Guards were nara pressed, and he
dispatched reinforcements. with two guns, to
their assistance. The reinforcements soon COM
PEELED the Beers to retreat.
The Guards had had g very hard Tight and
were ordered TO retire by squadron. The Beers
disputed every inch of the road with the Guards.
and continually attempted to rush them. shout
ing Hands up!' At each successive position
taken up, the British appeared in diminished
numbers, for as It grew llghter the ann or the
Beers improved proportionately.
The following incident of the nghtlhs is re-
ported: Commandant Pretorius. who was
captured the previous day in a Cape cart. was
in charge of some National Scouts. The scouts
rode into a party of Beers dressed IN KHAKI
sl1pposing them to be British troops. The Beers
opened fire and Pretorius escaped in the con-
fusion One report says he was shot as he fed
Commandant Prinsloo is also reported to have
been killed IN the fighting. as well as other Boer
officers.
The British wounded who fell into Boer hands
W ere well treated by the enemA