The Previous Attempt Had Been Upon The Line Immediately To The West
Of Spion Kop.
If, however, one were to follow to the east of Spion
Kop, one would come upon a high mountain called Doornkloof.
Between
these two peaks, there lies a low ridge, called Brakfontein, and a
small detached hill named Vaalkranz. Buller's idea was that if he
could seize this small Vaalkranz, it would enable him to avoid the
high ground altogether and pass his troops through on to the
plateau beyond. He still held the Ford at Potgieter's and commanded
the country beyond with heavy guns on Mount Alice and at Swartz
Kop, so that he could pass troops over at his will. He would make a
noisy demonstration against Brakfontein, then suddenly seize
Vaalkranz, and so, as he hoped, hold the outer door which opened on
to the passage to Ladysmith.
The getting of the guns up Swartz Kop was a preliminary which was
as necessary as it was difficult. A road was cut, sailors,
engineers, and gunners worked with a will under the general
direction of Majors Findlay and Apsley Smith. A mountain battery,
two field guns, and six naval 12-pounders were slung up by steel
hawsers, the sailors yeo-hoing on the halliards. The ammunition was
taken up by hand. At six o'clock on the morning of the 5th the
other guns opened a furious and probably harmless fire upon
Brakfontein, Spion Kop, and all the Boer positions opposite to
them. Shortly afterwards the feigned attack upon Brakfontein was
commenced and was sustained with much fuss and appearance of energy
until all was ready for the development of the true one.
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