The key of the position was a strongly fortified hill about three-quarters of a mile from the headquarter camp, and commanding it.

This post was held by Captain Kirke with forty garrison artillery to work the big gun, and seventy Liverpool infantry.
In spite of the barbed-wire entanglements, the Boers most gallantly rushed this position, and their advance was so rapid, or the garrison so slow, that the place was carried with hardly a shot fired.

Major Cotton, who commanded the main lines, found himself deprived in an instant of nearly half his force and fiercely attacked by a victorious and exultant enemy.

His position was much too extended for the small force at his disposal, and the line of trenches was pierced and enfiladed at many points.

It must be acknowledged that the defences were badly devised--little barbed wire, frail walls, large loopholes, and the outposts so near the trenches that the assailants could reach them as quickly as the supports.