Though hustled and broken they re-formed and clung doggedly to their task, firing at the groups of Boers who surrounded the guns.

At the same time word had been sent of their pressing need to the Scotch Borderers and the Scottish Horse, who came swarming across the valley to the succour of their comrades.

Dixon had brought two guns and a howitzer into action, which subdued the fire of the two captured pieces, and the infantry, Derbys and Borderers, swept over the position, retaking the two guns and shooting down those of the enemy who tried to stand.

The greater number vanished into the smoke, which veiled their retreat as it had their advance.

Forty-one of them were left dead upon the ground.