IN AFRICA.

Waikato Argus, Volume IX, Issue 802, 12 November 1900, Page 2

IN AFRICA.

A GALLANT RESISTANCE. 50 MINERS HOLD A GARRISON FOR A MONTH. OPPORTUNELY RELIEVED. ~3 (Received November 10, 8.4 S a.m.) London. November 9. The siege of Koffyfontein was maintained with persistence by the Boers for a month. Robertson was the only military man in the garrison, which consisted of oO rosolute miners. Robertson, with four natives and two whites, made thrilling raids on farms, fighting desperately in the darkness, and losses were inflicted, intensifying the enemy's rage. Relief came opportunely. BOERS SEVERELY DEFEATED AT BOTHAVILLE. CAPTURE OF MANY" GUNS, AMMUNITION AND SUPPLIES. STEYN AND DE WET ESCAPE. (Received November 10, 9.23 p.m.) London, November 9. Lord Roberts cables that Generals Le Gallais and Knox surprised and completely defeated 1000 Boers south, of Bothaville on Monday, re-captur-ing one 12-pounder helonging to the " O " Battery, and one 10-pounder belonging to the 14th Battery, also capturing four Krupps, one pom-pom, one Maxim, all the ammunition and waggons, 100 prisoners and 25 dead. The Boers left the field with 30 wounded. The British . casualties were: Le Gallais' force, two officers and eight men killed and one officer aud 26 men wounded. Steyn and De Wet escaped. DEATH OF GENERAL LE GAL'LAIS. THE BOTHAVILLE ENGAGEMENT. STEYN AND DE WET FLY WHEN THE FIRST SHOT IS FIRED. FIVE HOURS' BATTLE. (Received November 11, 4.35 p.m.) London, November 10, General Le Gallais was killed in the engagement near Bothaville. It is stated that De Wet and SteynV fled when the first shot was fired. " "" Ss V_ Lord Roberts deeply regrets the death of General Le Gallais, who was a most gallant and capable cavalry leader. Steyn's secretary was taken prisoner. A Boer doctor with a red cross on his arm, a rifle in bis hand, and a bandolier half emptied across bis shoulder, was found among the dead. The British guns engaged at 400 yards range The battle lasted five hours. FIERCE FIGHTING AT KOMATI RIVER. GALLANT WORK BY CANADIANS. UNPRECEDENTED CHARGE BY THE BOERS. Received November 12, 12.44 a.m.) London, November 11. General Smith-Dorrien, with 250 Cavalry and 900 Suffolk and Shropshire regiments, had two days' very hard fighting at the Komati River. The Suffolks and Canadian Mounted Infantry outflanked the Boers aud compelled them to evacuate a strong position. Six British were killed and 20 wounded, chiefly Shropshiros, who fought splendidly. When strongly reinforced the Boers attempted to recover the abandoned position. The Canadians, galloping two miles, cleverly forestalled them. The Canadian Dragoons and Artillery showed devoted gallantry in protecting the infantry and convoys on the afternoon of the 7th, when 200 Boers suddenly charged the rearguard to withiu 70 yards, wheu they were stopped by the Canadian Dragoons. Lord Roberts considers the Boer charge unprecedented. Sixteen Canadians were captured, but were kindly treated and released. They were made to lie on their faces till the Boers removed their own dead and wounded. The British casualties on tho 7th were two killed and 12 wounded, all Canadians.