But otherwise no.

The hill was in the way and had to be taken.

In the war game you cannot play without a stake.
You lose and you pay forfeit, and where the game is fair the best player is he who pays with the best grace.

The attack was well prepared, well delivered, and only miscarried on account of the excellence of the defence.

We proved once more what we had proved so often before, that all valour and all discipline will not avail in a frontal attack against brave coolheaded men armed with quick-firing rifles.
While the Irish Brigade assaulted Railway Hill an attack had been made upon the left, which was probably meant as a demonstration to keep the Boers from reinforcing their comrades rather than as an actual attempt upon their lines.