The orders were that the Canadians were to advance, the Gordons to support, and the Shropshires to take such a position on the left as would outflank any counter attack upon the part of the Boers.

The Canadians advanced in the darkness of the early morning before the rise of the moon.

The front rank held their rifles in the left hand and each extended right hand grasped the sleeve of the man next it.

The rear rank had their rifles slung and carried spades.

Nearest the river bank were two companies (G and H.) who were followed by the 7th company of Royal Engineers carrying picks and empty sand bags.