Their advance being checked by a very severe fire, the horsemen dismounted and took such cover as they could.

Paget's original idea had been a turning movement, but the Boers were the more numerous body, and it was impossible for the smaller British force to find their flanks, for they extended over at least seven miles.

The infantry were moved up into the centre, therefore, between the wings of dismounted horsemen, and the guns were brought up to cover the advance.

The country was ill-suited, however, to the use of artillery, and it was only possible to use an indirect fire from under a curve of the grass land.

The guns made good practice, however, one section of the 38th battery being in action all day within 800 yards of the Boer line, and putting themselves out of action after 300 rounds by the destruction of their own rifling.
Once over the curve every yard of the veld was commanded by the hidden riflemen.