Topic: BatzB - Diamond Hill
The Battle of Diamond Hill
South Africa, 11 - 12 June 1900
The Times Account, 15 June 1900
The account is transcribed below.
THE BATTLE NEAR PRETORIA.
RETREAT OF BOTHA'S ARMY.
The following despatches have been received at the War Office from Lord Roberts :
Pretoria, June 13, 9.55 a.m.
We were engaged all yesterday with Botha's army. The enemy fought with considerable determination, and held our cavalry on both flanks, but Ian Hamilton, assisted by the Guards Brigade of Pole-Carew's Division, pushing forward took the hill in his front, which caused the enemy to fall back on a second position eastward.
This they are still holding, and it is slightly higher than the one we have captured.
The great extent of country which has to be covered under modern couditions of warfare renders progress very slow.
Details of casualties have not reached me, but I understand moderate in number. The only further casualties reported up to date are-wounded, 8th Hussars, Lieut. O'Brien, shoulder; R.A.M.C., Major Hathaway, abdomen; both severe.
June 13, 1 p.m.
June 13, 11 a.m. - The enemy evacuated their strong position during the night, and have retired eastwards.
Buller's force and mine afforded each other mutual' assistance, Our occupation of Pretoria caused numbers of the Boers to withdraw from Lungs Nek, and Buller's advance to Volksrust made them to feel that their rear world shortly be threatened.
[The above appeared in our Second Edition of yesterday.]
Further Reading:
The Battle of Diamond Hill, South Africa, 11 - 12 June 1900
The Battle of Diamond Hill, South Africa, 11 - 12 June 1900, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: The Battle of Diamond Hill, South Africa, 11 - 12 June 1900, The Times Account, 15 June 1900
