Chapter XV: COLESBERG AND THE WEST. Dec. 1899-Feb. 10, 1900

General French's position--Engagements near Arundel and
Rensburg--The Boers fall back on Colesberg--British camp
moved to Rensburg--Fighting round Coles Kop--French's
mobility--Loss of a commissariat train--Both sides
reinforced--General Schœman repulsed--Death of
Major Harvey--Boers driven back--Disaster to the
Suffolks--Occupation of Slingersfontein--Guns and
supplies hauled up Coles Kop--Small actions near
Colesberg--Boer attack near Slingersfontein--Guarding
the railway junctions--Gradual withdrawal of
British forces--A ride for life--Accuracy of
Australian shooting--Coles Kop and Slingersfontein
evacuated--British retire to Arundel--Seizure of
German steamers--Lord Roberts conciliates the
Colonials--Reorganisation of transport--Roberts and
Kitchener leave Capetown--Lord Methuen keeps the enemy
busy--Demonstrations towards Koodoesberg Drift--Roberts
in camp--Preparations for the great blow--Composition of
the Grand Army 320-345