The 6th Brigade--Major-General Barton--was to advance on the east of the railroad, in general support of Hildyard.

On this part of the field the ground was flat, but intersected by several dongas.

Each extreme of the line of infantry formed by the four brigades was covered as usual by a flanking force, chiefly of horse; but while that on the British left had this function only, that on the right, the mounted brigade, with one battery--six guns--was {p.226} to attempt Hlangwane Hill.

If successful, it was to enfilade the Wylie kopjes from that position.

The remaining four batteries of field artillery were intended at the proper moment to concentrate their fire upon the Wylie kopjes, preparing the way for the crucial charge of the 2nd Brigade.