Once again the command of the sea had saved the Empire.
But, now that it was too late, the Boers suddenly took the initiative, and in dramatic fashion.

North of Estcourt, where General Hildyard was being daily reinforced from the sea, there are two small townlets, or at least geographical (and railway) points.

Frere is about ten miles north of Estcourt, and Chieveley is five miles north of that and about as far to the south of Colenso.

On November 15th an armoured train was despatched from Estcourt to see what was going on up the line.

Already one disaster had befallen us in this campaign on account of these clumsy contrivances, and a heavier one was now to confirm the opinion that, acting alone, they are totally inadmissible.