British Disaster at the Cape.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3798, 1 March 1881, Page 2

British Disaster at the Cape.

Sir George Colley Killed.

Great Loss of Officers and Men.

Capetown, February 20,

Intelligence lias been received here from I?atal that a severe disaster has occurred in the Transvaal to a portion of the force uuder Sir Greorge Oolley. News to hand states that he advanced from Ingogo with six companies of infantry, and occupied Spitakopo. The Boers in great force made a strong attack on the position, end desperate fighting ensued, lasting all the morning. The British troops suffered iinmei>se loss, and finally were driven from the place. Sir George Colley and a number of officers were kilied, and of the whole six companies only 100 officers and m°n escaped. Capktown, February 28.

The LatestFurther telegrams to band from Natal fully confirm the previous announcement of the disaster to British troops in the Transvaal. The fighting at Spitskop (not Spitakopo, as stated in first telegram) was of a desperate and most sanguinary character, and lasted for fully seven hours. The British resisted the attack of the Boers until their ammunition was exhausted, and the small force which was left was then compelled to retreat. The enemy followed in pursuit for some distance, but were' checked by the guns from the cacnp at Mount Prospect, where the stragglers from the defeated force are novp arriving safely.