CHAPTER XV

.

COLESBERG AND THE WEST.

General French's position--Engagements near Arundel and Rensburg--The Boers fall back on Colesberg--British camp moved to Rensburg--Fighting round Coles Kop--French's mobility--Loss of a commissariat train--Both sides reinforced--General Schœman repulsed--Death of Major Harvey--Boers driven back--Disaster to the Suffolks--Occupation of Slingersfontein--Guns and supplies hauled up Coles Kop--Small actions near Colesberg--Boer attack near Slingersfontein--Guarding the railway junctions--Gradual withdrawal of British forces--A ride for life--Accuracy of Australian shooting--Coles Kop and Slingersfontein evacuated--British retire to Arundel--Seizure of German steamers--Lord Roberts conciliates the Colonials--Reorganisation of transport--Roberts' and Kitchener leave Capetown--Lord Methuen keeps the enemy busy--Demonstrations towards Koodoesberg Drift--Roberts in camp--Preparations for the great blow--Composition of the Grand Army.

[Illustration: NEW SOUTH WALES LANCERS WITH GENERAL FRENCH.]

[Sidenote: General French's position.]

[Sidenote: DEC. 11-13, 1899.] _Fighting on Extended Lines._]

Throughout December skirmishing continued in the Colesberg district of Cape Colony between General French's small army and the Boer commandos which had marched into the Colony in November by way of Norvals Pont, with the object of menacing or breaking Lord Methuen's communications with the sea. In