Anorak,
Here are some extracts from my book on Elandslaagte:
The exact details of Kock’s force are far from clear. His force consisted of about 1,150 men with Boer estimates tending to be lower than this figure and British estimates higher. The main part of the force comprised:
- 700 men of the Johannesburg Commando under Commandant Ben Viljoen.
- 150 Free Staters from the Vrede Commando under Field Cornet de Jager.
- Staats Artillerie under the command of Major Erasmus.
- The German Commando of 100 men under Colonel Schiel. Interestingly the German Commando was newly formed of naturalised German citizens living in Johannesburg. Thus they were very much like the Imperial Light Horse (ILH) in that both had their first military encounter at Elandslaagte. Indeed the men of the German Commando were acquainted with some of the men of the ILH.
-150 Hollanders under Commandant Jan Lombard.
The issue of how much and what type of artillery accompanied Kock’s men is also a matter of some debate. Kock probably had with him two big guns, perhaps two 75mm (3”) Creusot or Krupp quick firing gun. In addition to these two, Kock also had two Maxim-Nordenfeld machine guns that had been captured in the Jameson Raid.
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The next morning, the 20th October, Kock surveyed the area in daylight and selected a strong position for his two big guns that had just arrived. Major Erasmus of the Staats Artillerie was tasked with the establishment of these guns at the northern end of the horseshoe ridge to the east of the station. Kock also found a location for his laager on some heights over a mile south east of the railway station. Having secured his force, his men and horses rested. Schiel also reviewed the position of the Boers but came to a different conclusion. In Schiel’s opinion, the Boer position could be outflanked at either end. Kock, however, would not listen and the defences were not changed.
...
The artillery duel at 16:00
The 21st battery galloped up on the left of the Manchesters and took up position facing the centre of the hills. The Natal battery was now left behind to guard the trains, its horses exhausted. The 21st battery came into action in the open against the enemy's artillery at 4,400 yards (4,020 m). For six minutes the enemy returned the fire, aiming their guns with great accuracy on the battery in action, but as soon as the 42nd battery galloped up and unlimbered the enemy ceased firing. But the position of the Boer guns was known and the artillery preparation for the attack now began with shrapnel fire against the ridge. The batteries were at first troubled by a long range rifle-fire from Pienaar's men, who still clung to the low ground. The guns were turned onto them at a range of about 2,000 yards (1,830 m) and they quickly retreated, but not before Captain Campbell and several men of the battery were wounded. Captain Campbell had been hit in the chest and was replaced by Lieutenant Manley but Manley was also hit. Lieutenant Ramsden then took over and commanded the 21st battery for the remainder of the engagement.
...
As soon as the firing line was well over the northern shoulder of the plateau, and descending into the plain, the enemy's guns started firing again. The Boers fired shrapnel, but two guns could do little damage against so scattered an advancing army. A testament to Hamilton’s idea came from the fact that only three men were hit in this part of the advance.
...
17:10 the ridge is taken
Every bugle took up the call as did the pipers. Waves of men now commenced their charge with Hamilton at their head. With this, the Boers' resolve gave way and many now began to stream away. A few determined Boers still clung onto the final kopje but with another sound of the bugles, the kopje was taken. The Boer artillery, with tremendous courage, operated their guns until the very last moment.
