It was a venture.

But all war is a venture; and the brave man is he who ventures most.

One fiery rush and the master-key of all these locked doors might be in our keeping.

That evening there came a telegram to London which left the whole Empire in a hush of anticipation.

Spion Kop was to be attacked that night.
The troops which were selected for the task were eight companies of the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, six of the 2nd Royal Lancasters, two of the 1st South Lancashires, 180 of Thorneycroft's, and half a company of Sappers.