On the island, which is covered with trees and brush, he had placed sharpshooters and quick-firing guns.

On the extreme Boer right their position was further strengthened by broken, rocky ground and small kopjes, considerably in advance of their line.

This forward {p.155} cover they held by a strong detachment, as they did also another slight eminence, six hundred yards further east, upon which was a farm-house and kraal.

From these a cross-fire upon the enemy served to protect their right flank, which by position otherwise was the weaker.
Although unconscious that he was about to encounter numbers equal to, if not greater than his own, Methuen, who expected them to retire after a show of opposition, considered it still his best course to advance with his two brigades on an extended front, the Guards on the right, the 9th Brigade on the left, the two carefully keeping touch from end to end and crossing in that order.

Thus approaching, at 8.10 A.M.a very heavy fire showed that the river was held in force and caused numerous casualties, many men falling at once.