From then onwards Sir Redvers Buller was massing his troops at Chieveley in preparation for a great effort to cross the river and to relieve Ladysmith, the guns of which, calling from behind the line of northern hills, told their constant tale of restless attack and stubborn defence.
But the task was as severe a one as the most fighting General could ask for.

On the southern side the banks formed a long slope which could be shaved as with a razor by the rifle fire of the enemy.

How to advance across that broad open zone was indeed a problem.

It was one of many occasions in this war in which one wondered why, if a bullet-proof shield capable of sheltering a lying man could be constructed, a trial should not be given to it.

Alternate rushes of companies with a safe rest after each rush would save the troops from the continued tension of that deadly never ending fire.