I am certain I must have possessed a charmed existence during this sharp encounter for the shots were whistling about my head and feet and some even scoured the tips of my fingers. When we were within 200 yards of their position, which was very strong, the order to charge was given, and every man rushed as for revenge  into the enemy, who did not face the bayonet, but retired as fast as their legs would allow them. Those that remained held up  white flags and begged for mercy, asking to be given a chance, the chance being that they were all taken prisoners, numbering about 200.

In storming the heights, I was one of the first to succeed and the sights which met my gaze I shall always remember with a pang of sorrow, dead and wounded lying about in great numbers. I conversed with many of the wounded Dutch and rendered what aid I could to them. As I was charging  up the hill I saw two of the Boers locked in each other's arms, not dead, but they appeared severely wounded. They called to me for assistance and I answered that I  would be back in a few minutes to help them, but when I returned they were gone. Most likely  they had received assistance from someone else.

It was very strange but not one of our regiment was killed and only 34 wounded. The Gordons lost 24  and 70 wounded; the Manchester's loss  was 10 killed and  and 31 wounded, while there were other casualties in in different regiments to a large extent. Out of one party of 850 only 230 escaped. The Devons who captured the colours were were received with great enthusiasm  on arriving at Ladysmith.

We fought another engagement on the 23rd and the Boers' losses  on this occasion must have been very great. The regiment came out with one killed and three wounded, and of other regiments engaged I could not say what they suffered. My chum in this fight got a slight wound in the leg.

I could describe volumes if time would allow, but we are pressed very closely at this period.