There were four outposts, under Woodgate, Theobald, Lippert, and Mangles.

The attack at 2.15 on a cold dark morning began at the post held by Woodgate, the Boers coming hand-to-hand before they were detected.

Woodgate, who was unarmed at the instant, seized a hammer, and rushed at the nearest Boer, but was struck by two bullets and killed.

His post was dispersed or taken.

Theobald and Lippert, warned by the firing, held on behind their sangars, and were ready for the storm which burst over them.