In one or two points the situation was modified in their favour, and hence their escape from loss and disaster.

A more extended position enabled the infantry to avoid bunching, but in other respects the situation was parallel to that in which they had found themselves a fortnight before.
The original plan was that the taking of Vaalkranz should be the first step towards the outflanking of Brakfontein and the rolling up of the whole Boer position.

But after the first move the British attitude became one of defence rather than of attack.

Whatever the general and ultimate effect of these operations may have been, it is beyond question that their contemplation was annoying and bewildering in the extreme to those who were present.

The position on February 6th was this.