With British relief forces approaching Ladysmith, the Boers attempted an assault on the defences on the crescent shaped hill in the southern perimeter known as Caesar’s Camp, the western pinnacle of which was called Waggon Hill. This had not been entrenched sufficiently and the Boers rushed the position. The troops on Waggon Hill were the King’s Royal Rifles, Gordon Highlanders and Imperial Light Horse, supported by a Hotchkiss gun. A confused fight took place in the dark.
Ian Hamilton brought up reinforcements of Gordon Highlanders, Rifle Brigade and the 21st and 53rd Field Batteries. Fierce fighting took place along Waggon Hill and in support of the beleaguered companies of Manchesters and Imperial Light Horse on Waggon Hill West and Caesar’s Camp. The Boers were eventually driven back by a renewed attack, reinforced by a dismounted squadron of 18th Hussars.
To ensure the position was fully recovered the Devons led a heroic charge across the crest of the hill and drove any remaining Boers back, albeit with some considerable loss.
Despite this desperate defence, it was to be nearly two months before General Buller's forces were able to relieve Ladysmith on the 27th February 1900.
Charles Orr's Memoirs Volume 4
