The immediate causes of the failure were undoubtedly the results of pure ill-fortune, and depended on things outside his control.

But it is evident that the strategic plan which would justify the presence of this column at Nicholson's Nek was based upon the supposition that the main army won their action at Lombard's Kop.

In that case White might swing round his right and pin the Boers between himself and Nicholson's Nek.

In any case he could then re-unite with his isolated wing.

But if he should lose his battle--what then?
What was to become of this detachment five miles up in the air?
How was it to be extricated?
The gallant Irishman seems to have waved aside the very idea of defeat.