Part of the Royal Irish remained also close to the enemy's trenches.

Under cover of darkness, Clements sent four companies of the Royal Irish and two of the Wiltshires under Colonel Guinness to make a flanking movement along the crest of the heights.
These six companies completely surprised the enemy, and caused them to hurriedly evacuate the position.

Their night march was performed under great difficulties, the men crawling on hands and knees along a rocky path with a drop of 400 feet upon one side.

But their exertions were greatly rewarded.

Upon the success of their turning movement depended the fall of Slabbert's Nek.