Topic: BatzB - Diamond Hill
The Battle of Diamond Hill
South Africa, 11 - 12 June 1900
The Times Account, 16 June 1900
The account is transcribed below.
THE DEFEAT OF BOTHA'S FORCE.
GENERAL HAMILTON WOUNDED.
The following telegram from Lord Roberts has been received at the War Office:
Pretoria, June 15, 12 30 p.m.
June 14.- As I telegraphed yesterday from our outposts 15 miles east of Pretoria, the Boers evacuated their position during the night of the 12th.
They had paid so mach attention to strengthening their flanks that their centre was weakly held, and as soon as this became evident on the 12th I directed Ian Hamilton to attack.
He moved against Diamond Hill with the Sussex, Derby, and City Imperial Volunteers, supported on his left by the Guards Brigade under Inigo Jones.
It was grand seeing the gray in which our men advanced over difficult ground and under heavy fire.The casualties were, I am thankful to say, less than 1U0--a very small number considering the natural strength of the position that had to be carried.
Our seizure of Diamond Hill caused. the Boers to feel they were practically surrounded, and this resulted in their hasty retirement. They were being followed yesterday by some of our mounted corps.
Hamilton speaks in high terms of the three battalions above mentioned, and the admirable manner the 62nd Field Battery covered the advance, the good work performed by De Lisle's Mounted Infantry, and the valuable assistance afforded by the Guards Brigade.
Hamilton received a contusion from a shrapnel bullet on the shoulder, but is not, I am happy to say, unable to perform his duty.
The only casualties reported at present are Wounded:- Guards Brigade - 3rd Grenadiers, one man; 1st Coldstream Guards, Lieutenant Brett, slight wound leg, and nine men; 2nd Coldstreams, one man.
In the Cavalry Brigade with French, one man killed and six wounded.
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, 16 June 1900
