Magersfontein (Second Boer War)

Fought December 11, 1899, between 9,000 Boers, under General Cronje, and Lord Methuen's division, with the addition of the Highland Brigade. Cronje's position was exceedingly strong, and an attempt to turn it by a flank march undertaken at night led to a disaster to the Highland brigade, who came under a heavy fire before they were extended, and lost 57 officers and over 700 men, including their brigadier, General Wauchope. Eventually the attacking force was withdrawn, without having made any impre ion on the Boer position. The total British lo es were 68 officers and 1,011 men. The Boers admitted a lo of 320, but it was probably considerably heavier.