The British casualties, however, were between thirty and forty, mostly wounded.
On January 22nd General Cunninghame left Oliphant's Nek with a small force consisting of the Border and Worcester Regiments, the 6th Mounted Infantry, Kitchener's Horse, 7th Imperial Yeomanry, 8th R.F.A., and P battery R.H.A.It had instructions to move south upon the enemy known to be gathering there.

By midday this force was warmly engaged, and found itself surrounded by considerable bodies of De la Rey's burghers.

That night they camped at Middelfontein, and were strongly attacked in the early morning.

So menacing was the Boer attitude, and so formidable the position, that the force was in some danger.

Fortunately they were in heliographic communication with Oliphant's Nek, and learned upon the 23rd that Babington had been ordered to their relief.