Dummy guns

The 5th Lancers and the 2nd Battalion Kings Royal Rifles on Observation Hill hit upon an idea of drawing the Boer fire. They constructed a “man” of straw for this purpose and dressed it in a khaki coat and helmet. By showing him every now and then they not only found out where the Boer was positioned but also had the opportunity taking a shot at the enemy. The idea probably originated from the Devonshire Regiment where Colonel Knox had set up six dummy “batteries” with figures that were operated by ropes. These figures drew fire from the Boer guns and gave him ideas on how to position and strengthen his earthworks.