At the same time Pole-Carew with the central column of Lord Roberts's force had advanced along the railway line, and on August 24th he occupied Belfast with little resistance.

He found, however, that the enemy were holding the formidable ridges which lie between that place and Dalmanutha, and that they showed every sign of giving battle, presenting a firm front to Buller on the south as well as to Roberts's army on the west.
On the 23rd some successes attended their efforts to check the advance from the south.

During the day Buller had advanced steadily, though under incessant fire.

The evening found him only six miles to the south of Dalmanutha, the centre of the Boer position.

By some misfortune, however, after dark two companies of the Liverpool Regiment found themselves isolated from their comrades and exposed to a very heavy fire.