THE WAR.

Waikato Argus, Volume VII, Issue 519, 28 November 1899, Page 2

THE WAR.

THE ENGAGEMENT AT MONT. ™

THREE RIDGES CARRIED AT THE BAYONET POINT. STUBBORN RESISTANCE BY THE BOERS. MAGNIFICENT CHARGES BY THE GUARDS. THE TREACHEROUS WHITE FLAG. THE GERMAN COMMANDANT CAPTURED, N.S.W. LANCERS ENGAGED. BOERS USING DUM-DUM BULLETS. AMERICA WATGHE S THE RIGHTS OF BRITISHERS. [united press association]. (by el ectric telkgbaph—corrßioiiT). Capetown, November 25. A detachment of the New South Wales Lancers, in conjunction Avith a body of infantry, checked the advance of the enemy at Witteputs. On the eve of Thursday's battle at Belmont, the Guards Brigade marched five miles and approached within 250 yards of the enotny's base. In making the attack they had to climb rocky ridges in the face of the enemy's heavy fire. They did not reply, using only the bayonet. One of the Brigade's finest achievements was the capture 'of the Boers' second position. This charge was notable for straight-forward fighting and bayoneting in the face of a concentrated short range fire. The Boers hoisted the white flag. Lieut. Hon. Claud Heathcote Drummond Willoughby of the Coldstream Guards, advancing in response to the signal, was wounded immediately. Lieut. Blundell, of the Grenadier Guards, was killed by a wounded Boer, whom ho was attending. The Boers used some Dum-dum bullets.

The Boers nt Belmont, took refuge behind boulders and fought till the last though much disconcerted by the terrible firo of the British artillery. The fighting began insemi-darkness. The Boers reserved their withering volleys until the Guards and Northumberlauds were within 200 yards, momentarily staggering the advancing troops. The enemy were driven from the first ridge at the point of the bayonet, and steadily retreated to the second ridge, directing a terrible cross firo from tho surrouuding kopjes. The Coldstreams, Scots Guards, Grenadier Guards, Northumberland Fusiliers and Northaniptsns, amid a hail of bullets, with tho band playing and the men cheering, gallantly stormed the summit, bayonetting many. The most stubborn stand was made at the third ridge, which the Boers reached, despite the Lancers' flanking movement. This position was heavily shelled, the Naval Brigade assisting, and then rushed. The Coldstreams especially distinguished themselves in the final charge, capturing the kopje forming the key to the position. The Boers fled in the direction of Kimberley. The deficiency of cavalry hindered an effective pursuit. The prisoners include the German Commandant and six Field Cornets. Some estimates aro that six to eight thousand Boers were engaged. Tho) occupied an immensely strong position at Kaffirslop, 10 miles cast of Belmont, commanding the road to Kimberley. The protected guns were excellently placed and doggedly served. The prisoners declare that they considered the position impregnable, especially the final ridge, which necessitated a steep climb in the final hundred feet. Capetown, November 25. Second Lieutenant Osborne's detachment of the New South Wales Lancers took part in the engagement near Belmont. Lieutenaut Cox's detachment is assisting General French at Raanpoort. At Arundel they helped in preventing the Boers capturing a military train. London, November 25. The Queen has sent a message congratulating Lord Methuen and his troops on their victory. An official report from Ladysmith on the 22nd inst. shows that the defenders arc all well aud cheerful. The French ltcd Cross Association gave medical instruments and the Duke of Newcastlo a Rontjeu apparatus for the hospital ship, which is being fitted from tho old Soudan fund. Washington, November 25. In connection with President Kruger forbidding the American Consul to inform Great Britaiu in reference to prisoners, President McKinley informed Kruger that Americaiusists on the sacred duty of watching the interests of the Britisher.