Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 December 1899 — BRITISH ARE ROUTED [ARTICLE]

BRITISH ARE ROUTED

GENERAL GATACRE MEETS A DECISIVE DEFEAT. Forces. Compelled to Retire After a Hot ArtiUery Duel Near Stormberg— Led Into a Trap by False Information from Boer Sympathizers. Gen. Gatacre, while moving out with 3,000 men and two batteries of artillery from Putter’s kraal in the hope of surprising the Boers at Stormberg, was misled by his guides, and found himself in an untenable position, with the result that he was obliged to retire, with severe losses, upon Molteno. He reports over 630 officers and men missing, in addition to a small list of killed and wounded. A correspondent cables: The wily Boers led the British into a trap by furnishing Gatacre and his spies with false information that the enemy’s camp at Stromberg could be easily taken by Surprise and captured. Gatacre was told that the Boers there numbered only 2,500 and were in a weak ebndition. The General determined to make an early morning march a strong column and strike a rapid blow. The troops chosen were the Second Royal Irish rifles, the Second Northumberland Fusiliers, the King’s Shropshires, the Second Royal Berkshires acting as mounted infantry, and field batteries Nos. 74 and 77. We marched out smartly, but cautiously, from Putterskraal, and got within two miles of Stromberg without the slightest indication of the whereabouts of the Boers. Our forces were proceeding cautiously when suddenly we were met by a hail of bullets coming from behind the low ridges to the front and right flank. The reception was too warm to withstand, and we quickly sought shelter behind a kopje. The other troops did the same. We were pretty well covered from tfie rain of rifle fire, but the big guns threw their shells unpleasantly around us. Our field batteries swung into line and did splendid work, keeping the Boers off while we sought a better position half a mile away. Here we found ground shelter, and the infantry quickly got into position and opened a fire at Jong range, while the mounted infantry were sent out to try and get at the Boers’ right flank. I Up to this time we had suffered but little, but a new danger suddenly appeared. The Boers who ambushed us were in front and on our right flank, but now there came from the north another strong command, all mounted, who menaced our left flank. Gatacre sent the Irish and Northumberland regiments to meet them, and the result was simply disastrous, for Ahey dashed straight into the deadly fire jf a number of machine guns, which the Boers had slyly placed in a concealed position. It was evident we had caught a Tartar and were in a nasty position. The Irishmen and Northumberlands got back as best they could, each with 300 paen gone. There was nothing to do but retire. The Boers numbered at least 3,000. British discipline saved the army. There was no confusion or disorder. Every man was in his place and the retreat was carriedout in perfect order, the column being covered by mounted infantry and artillery, ready to swing into position at any moment. The Boers followed closely, swarming around our flanks, and dragged along two forty-pounders, which they trained on us at every opportunity. Had their gunners been worth their salt they would have inflicted severe damage on us, but' their aim was wild and our casualties were surprisingly few. As we neared the Molteno camp the Boers gave up the pursuit and drew off.