They marched in fours towards the foot of the hill, but had to cross the Harrismith Railway two deep through a gap where the wire fences were cut with nippers.

One deep donga and a shallower had to be crossed as well.

At the foot of the hill two companies were left, extended in a wedge shape, the apex pointing up the hill.

The remaining two companies began the ascent.

The front of the hill is steep and covered with boulders, but is greener than most South African hills.