An hour later they were supported by the two right--east--regiments of the British line, which by a rush reached the river below Koodoosrand, where a number crossed.
These moved west in two parties, in mutual support on either bank.
The frontal attack and the flank movements so far stated summarize the details of this action.

Support was sent from time to time as occasion demanded and opportunity offered, especially to the flanking parties.
The net result of the day was that Cronje's force, from a development of four miles, was shortened in to two, the British holding the river {p.285} banks above and below that stretch, with considerable part of their force placed perpendicularly to the river across both the Boer flanks, yet bound together in mutual support by the main body, extended along the southern slope, ready to reinforce in either direction.

The flanking parties began immediately to entrench, their lines running, as already intimated, perpendicular to the Boer front, and facing the transverse works which the latter had erected as a protection against enfilading.
The British loss this day is variously estimated from 1,100 to 1,250.
The official accounts do not particularise, but give as the total casualties, February 16-27, killed 255, wounded 1,209, missing 70.

The propriety of the frontal attack has been much doubted.

The question is one of expediency, upon which the author does not presume to give a certain opinion.