Suddenly the Boer guns began firing from Surprise Hill and Thornhill's Kop, just north of us, and the shells passing over our heads, crashed right into the 18th Hussar camp beside a little bridge over the river below.

Surprise Hill alone dropped five shells in succession among the crowded tents, horses, and men.

The men began hurrying about like ants.

Tents were struck at once, horses saddled, everything possible taken up, and the whole regiment sought cover in a little defile close by.

Within half an hour of the first shell the place was deserted.