Colenso

It’s dawn on 15th December 1899 and Colonel Long has just ordered the 14th and 66th Field Artillery Batteries to unlimber 500 yds from the banks of the Tugela River. Just 300 yds to their left the buildings of Colenso are becoming visible through the early morning haze. 

The Boers are reported to be on the far bank of the river and have been spotted in the town as well. Some of Long’s subordinates are concerned that their position may be a bit exposed.

"Colonel Long, I think we may be just a bit too close to the Boer positions?"
"Nonsense Captain, the Boers have almost certainly withdrawn!"

"But Sir, we've had reports that they hold the far river bank in strength."
"If so, the best place for the guns is up front just like we had 'em at Omdurman!"

"Blimey Sarge, if we was any closer to the Boers they could brew us a cuppa tea!"
"Hold fast there laddie, Colonel says we was this close at Omdurman."
"Yeah Sarge, but at Omdurman they was armed with spears!"

"Order the men to hold their fire, the Tommies are walking right into our trap!" 

The third battle of Black Week is about to begin.

Magersfontein

Having recovered from the wound he received at Modder River, Lord Methuen is continuing his advance to relieve Kimberley. The Boers have fallen back to positions on Magersfontein Kopje and once more there is nothing for it but a frontal attack to dislodge them.

The newly arrived Highland Brigade under Major General Wauchope is ordered to assault the Boer positions at dawn following a night march. Major Benson of the Staff has been assigned to lead the way.

"Where are we Major Benson? It's pitch dark since the moon has set!"
"I'm not sure general, these magnetic boulders are playing havoc with my compass."

"I think we must be very near the Boer positions now Sir, may I suggest that you deploy the men into line?"
"Nae laddie my orders are to stay in column until I'm sure we are upon them, I don't like it but there we are!"

"Och sarge I cannae see a bloody thing, I think we're all doomed!"
"Quiet there private Fraser!"

The sun's coming up at last when a single gunshot rings out...

It is the 11th of December 1899.

Stormberg

Lieutenant-General Sir William Forbes Gatacre is leading two battalions of infantry on a night march against the Boer positions on Kissieberg Kopje.

"Blimey sarge why does ole' back-acher always ave' us marching around in the pitch black?"
"Less of your lip there private. General Gatacre got us through many a tight spot in the Sudan by is' night marches, ee' knows what ees' doin'".

"General, I'm not sure if we're on the right track, the railway shouldn't be there on our left should it?"
"Ahem Colonel, we may be a point or two off compass but we'll catch the blighters off guard as soon as the sun comes up!".

"Gettin' light now sarge, do you think the Boers know we're comin'?".
"Not a chance lad, not a chance!".

Dawn breaks on 10 December 1899 the beginning of what was soon to be known as ‘Black Week’.

Modder River

It is dawn on the 28th of November 1899 and, having recovered from the hard fighting at Graspan, Lord Methuen's column is nearing the Modder River as they continue the advance to relieve Kimberley.

Colonel Colville is reporting to Lord Methuen.
"Sir, the Modder River is just ahead shall I order scouts forward?"
"No need Colville, I reconnoitered there personally yesterday and the crossing is not defended." 

"Perhaps so sir but it wouldn't hurt to send forward a troop of cavalry would it?"
"You worry too much Colville, the Boers will likely have headed to the high ground at Magersfontein, they wouldn't stand here against British troops on level ground!"

"Dig in lads and adjust your sights to 600yds, that's where we'll hit 'em!"

"Site those guns carefully so you can sweep the open ground if the Brits dare to advance!"

Next up the battle of Modder River.

On to Kimberley

 Following the Battle of Belmont the British continue their advance to relieve Kimberley.

Lord Methuen's column continues north along the route of the railway line towards Kimberley. 9th Brigade are in the lead with flanking cover provided by the 9th Lancers.

"I say Colville old chap, your Guards can take the day off after the terrific show yesterday!"
"Yes Sir, we need some time to lick our wounds."

"Featherstonehaugh's 9th Brigade chaps should easily brush off any Boers we encounter although I doubt very much they'll make a showing again this side of Kimberley!"
"I'm sure you're right Sir."

The sailors from HMS Doris are glad to be in the advance guard having missed the action at Belmont. Captain Prothero is in full Naval Dress in the best traditions of the service with a conspicuous shiny scabbard and pistol, he can't understand why those scruffy army officers have ditched their swords and taken up rifles like mere rankers!

Next up will be the Battle of Graspan.

Ladysmith

26 October 1899, Ladysmith Natal, 12.00 noon – General Yule has just brought his column in from Dundee after a gruelling retreat across the Biggarsberg Hills. The Transvaal Boers are closing in on the town and now control the main Dundee to Ladysmith road.

The British troops are exhausted and demoralised after their march from Dundee but relieved to reach the safety of Ladysmith.

General Yule reports to Lt General Smith
"Sir, I have brought every able-bodied man with me from Dundee."

"What of Penn Symons what, what?"
"Sir, he was dreadful wounded at Talana Hill and had to be left behind with our other sick and wounded, I fear he is in Boer hands."

"Poor show, well can't be helped begad!"
"No sir, and I fear the enemy are not far behind us."

Meanwhile on Pepworth Hill just beyond the town the Boers are installing one of their 155mm Long Tom guns.
"Get that gun carefully sighted, the Brits down there will soon be in for one helluva surprise!" 

Ladysmith will be the next battle in my series of re-fights.

First Blood

20 October 1899, Dundee Natal, 5.40am – the British forces under Major General, Sir William Penn Symons have mustered in the town square for drill.

"Keep em' at it Sergeant Major, drill, drill and more drill until this sorry lot really start to look like soldiers of the Queen begad!"

"That's better, much better - but what's that infernal banging?"

"Look lively lads, jump to it someones bleedin' well shootin' at us!"

As the early morning mist clears it becomes obvious the Boers have stolen a march on Penn Symons and occupied Talana Hill overlooking Dundee. The Boers have had the audacity to place artillery on the hill and fire shells down towards the town.

They've also occupied Smith's Farm at the base of the hill and taken advantage of the stone walls around the property to create a strong defensive line.

As well as taken positions on Lennox Hill to the left of Talana Hill.

There’s only one thing for it – a frontal attack in close order to clear the rag-tag of farmers away, that’ll show them!