The position was a very extended one, and had the fatal weakness that the loss of any portion of it meant the loss of it all.

The garrison consisted of one company of Highland Light Infantry on the southern horn of the semicircle, three companies of the 2nd Gloucester Regiment on the northern and central part, with two guns of the 68th battery.

Some of the Royal Irish Mounted Infantry and a handful of police made up the total of the defenders to something over four hundred, Major Massy in command.
The attack developed at that end of the ridge which was held by the company of Highlanders.

Every night the Boer riflemen drew in closer, and every morning found the position more desperate.

On the 20th the water supply of the garrison was cut, though a little was still brought up by volunteers during the night.