An account of General Colley's engagement at Laing's Nek, 28 January 1881
In his despatch General Colley argued that the route across the Drakensberg at Laing's Nek was not the easiest but it was demanded if he was to reach the forts in Transvaal in the shortest time. The Boer forces defending Laing's Nek numbered around 2,000 under Commandant General Joubert. Colley's force numbered 951 infantry, 4 x 9-pounders, 2 x 7-pounders with 123 officers and men, 66 men of the Natal Mounted Police, 88 Naval Brigade with three rocket tubes, 30 men of the Army Hospital Corps and 2 column staff. 260 men and 2 Gatling guns were left behind to protect the laager, wagons and oxen. While his despatch omits them, he was also accompanied by Major Brownlow's Dragoon Guards.
The engagement began about 9:30 am with a barrage from all 6 guns and the rocket battery. After 20 minutes, the infantry began advancing up the steep slopes of Table Hill and the cavalry on the right moved against the Boers on Brownlow's Kop. Neither group made good progress due the difficult and stoney terrain and the steepness of the incline. The cavalry made it to the summit but were then subjected to fire from Boers entrenched on the rear of the slope.
The cavalry were forced with withdraw. They had 16 killed and wounded.
The time was now 10:30. The men of the 58th rested due to their exertions and then made their way to the summit about 11:00. Using tactics that would characterise later engagements, entrenched Boers held their fire until the British were 200 years distant and then unleashed a hail of fire. Some of the British officers were still mounted and made easy targets. Colonel Deane and Major Hingeston were killed. Indeed, all the staff were killed except for Major Essex, 75th Regiment, who had been one of the few people to escape from Isandlwana. The Boers from the flank were able to come across and enfilade the men of the 58th. The Boers also advanced and engaged the Naval Brigade in rifle fire.
Two companies of the 60th were already to the left of the 58th on the slopes of Table Hill but were covered by a wall and not engaged beyond skirmishing.
By 12:15 the battle was over. Colley, in his despatch, complimented the Boers on their 'courage and determination' and how they 'showed no fear of our troops.'
The British losses were 83 killed, 111 wounded and 2 captured. The 58th lost 73 killed and 100 wounded, The Boer losses were 14 killed and 27 wounded.
Two VCs were awarded for the battle of Laing's Nek: Doogan, Private John, 1st Dragoon Guards, for giving his horse to Major Brownlow when both men were wounded; Hill, Lieutenant Alan Richard, 58th Foot, for carrying wounded down the hill
Back in camp Colley made a speech to the troops, said how well they had behaved and took the blame for the defeat on himself.