His force had split up into numerous smaller bodies, capable of reuniting at a signal from their leader.

These scattered bodies, mobile as ever, vanished if seriously attacked, while keenly on the alert to pounce upon any British force which might be overpowered before assistance could arrive.

Such an opportunity came to the commando led by Philip Botha, and the result was another petty reverse to the British arms.
Upon January 3rd Colonel White's small column was pushing north, in co-operation with those of Knox, Pilcher, and the others.

Upon that date it had reached a point just north of Lindley, a district which has never been a fortunate one for the invaders.

A patrol of Kitchener' s newly raised bodyguard, under Colonel Laing, 120 strong, was sent forward to reconnoitre upon the road from Lindley to Reitz.
The scouting appears to have been negligently done, there being only two men out upon each flank.