Topic: BatzB - Elands
The Battle of Elands River, 4 August 1900
Report by the Times, 13 August 1900
The above is the London Times report on the action at Elands River. Below is the transcript.
SIR F. CARRINGTON'S OPERATIONS.
RETIREMENT TO MAFEKING
(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
ZEERUST, Aug. 7*.
On the 5th Sir F. Carrington made a determined attempt to relieve Elands River, which was held by Lieutenant-Colonel Hoare with 250 of the Protectorate Regiment, and 150 Bushmen, of the Rhodesian Field Force. The enemy were strongly intrenched, and had big gnus and "Pom Poms." On their front they held fortified kopjes, and there were kopjes also on their right and left flanks.
At dawn Sir F. Carrington's column engaged the enemy occupying a bushy kopje. At 10 45 a.m. the kopje was cleared by our guns. A squadron who took the left kopje were shelled by the big guns of the enemy, but they held the position till after the guns wore temporarily silenced.
Mixed troops under Major Baker then advanced on the enemy's front under a heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but retired till the enemy were shelled heavily by our Krupps and "Pom Poms."
Lieutenant Thomas and ten Bushmen were cut off while scouting. Lieutenant Thomas is safe; the remainder are missing. Lieutenant Moore, after two attempts, rescued a wounded private under a heavy fire, the enemy sniping from all sides.
The force, being much too small, retired to Marico River with the guns and transport, fighting very steadily a rearguard action. The losses were 15 killed and missing, and six wounded, none seriously.The enemy were estimated to number 2,000, and were under Commandant Delarey.
On the 6th a supply convoy from Zeerust to Marico was cut off by the enemy.As the enemy were occupying the hills on our flank- Sir F. Carrington's column retired on Zeerust after two hours' fighting. Our casualties numbered eight.
*Delayed by the Censor.
OTTOSHOOP, Aug. 8, via Mafeking, Aug. 9.*
It has been decided to concentrate Sir F. Carrington's forces at Mafeking, his operations having drawn together a large force of Boers against him. The force successfully withdrew from Zeerust to Ottoshoop enroute for Mafeking, taking 180 wagons with supplies. Sergeant Hungerford and six- troopers have returned, having been missing since Sunday.
Further Reading:
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: London Times, 13 August 1900, p. 3
