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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 Excerpt:...the enemy was approaching from the North and from the East. Thereupon he sent back word to Lord Roberts that if his informal ion was correct, he might have to retire on the Waterworks 17 miles nearer Bloemfontein. This, should it become necessary, he was authorised to do by Lord Roberts, and he was also informed that the 9th Division and some mounted infantry would march at daybreak on the 31st to his support. During the night, Colonel Broadwood moved on the Waterworks and there bivouacked. At dawn however he was attacked on three sides, and subjected to a heavy shell fire. Fearful--and with good cause--for the safety of his force, he hurried back his two horse batteries and baggage in the direction of Bloemfontein. Some two miles away from the Waterworks in question, the road to Bloemfontein crosses a spruit. During the previous night a party of Boers had there concealed themselves. Their ambush was admirably arranged. So well indeed were they hidden, that the leading scouts of the convoy passed over the spruit without noticing their presence. In fact it was not until guns and waggons were actually crossing that firing commenced. Then ensued a scene of terrible confusion. Many of the drivers and artillery horses were at once shot down at short ranges, U Battery was surrounded without a shot being fired, officers and men were taken prisoners, and seven guns were captured. The remainder--covered by Roberts' Horse--galloped away. But the plight of the force might even have been worse had not another passage, unoccupied by the enemy, been found over the spruit. At this point the force crossed with great steadiness. The surprise had been complete, but heroic efforts were made to retrieve the disaster. Q battery remained in action for some hours under a cross-fi...