A certain commando had been holding Hlangwe for a long time, and Commandant Buis was ordered to take his commando and relieve the others by night.

Instead of going to Hlangwe immediately that night he bivouacked in a small nek near by, intending to occupy the position early the following morning.

During the night the British discovered that the point was unoccupied and placed a strong force there.

In this manner the British wedge was forced into the Boschrand, and shortly afterwards the Boers were obliged to retreat across the Tugela and secure positions on the north bank of the stream.

Of less serious consequence was General De la Rey's refusal to carry out a decision he himself had assisted in framing.