The mounted infantry, that had been pursuing the day before on the north bank, now occupied the river-bed west of Cronje's lines.

The artillery present was three batteries--two field and one howitzer--with a single naval gun.

On the north bank at daybreak was French's cavalry brigade, which was slightly reinforced during the day, and his horse artillery.
Soon after daybreak fighting began, the Boers opening fire at the west end of their line upon the mounted infantry.

The latter replying succeeded in driving the enemy a quarter of a mile up stream.

While this was occurring the British began a frontal attack in line from the south--the 6th Division on the {p.283} right, the 9th on the left, the advance of the infantry line being supported by the batteries, placed 2,000 yards south-east of the Boer laager.