Sortie Caesars Camp

On November 9^th the Boers attacked Caesar’s Camp but were repulsed by the Manchester’s. They attacked the north side but the British defenders did not return fire until they were within four hundred yards then let loose with rifle and artillery fire whilst the Hussars charged and met the ZARPS (SA Railway Police).

On the same day they made an attack on Observation Hill, which was occupied by a small party of 5^th Lancers. Two companies were sent from Leicester Post to reinforce them and succeeded in repulsing the attack. They had to cross a wide piece of open country when first going up to reinforce and when they reached the crest of the hill, had to take what cover they could find and stay there the remainder of the day under a very heavy artillery and rifle fire. Casualties were Lieutenant Lethbridge dangerously wounded and died on 11th, Rifleman Keech who died of wounds and five rank and file wounded. A splinter from a Long Tom shell broke Rifleman Carter’s arm.

From there on, Observation hill was held on alternate days with the Kings Royal Rifles.