[Story of the War in South Africa by Alfred T. Mahan]@TWC D-Link book
Story of the War in South Africa

CHAPTER VIII {p
7/55

At 5.35 P.M.French reported back to Roberts, who received the message at {p.272} De Kiel's Drift, that he had occupied the hills on the north of the river, capturing three of the enemy's laagers with supplies, while Gordon with his brigade had seized Rondeval Drift, four miles west, with a second drift between it and Klip, and two more laagers.

Control of both sides of the Modder, and power to operate on either bank freely, were thus assured, provided the infantry followed in time.
That night, February 13-14, the cavalry rested on the north bank, holding the adjacent kopjes, and there remained during the succeeding day, waiting for the infantry.

Throughout the 14th the Boers made constant harassing demonstrations, disturbing the rest of the weary men and horses.

"But no attack was driven home.

'Could the Boers learn to attack, they would be a formidable foe,' the General once observed.
Directly we moved out the attack failed."[32] Kitchener in person arrived at midnight, and the 6th Division, "very tired," at early morning of the 15th.


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