Although he held the rank of Commandant General, Joubert did not have the authority, under the commando law of the Transvaal, to simply order an attack on the British defences. This could only be done after a krygsraad. On 8th November such a meeting was held and agreement was reached for a policy of active offence. Attacks were to be launched the following day with the object of capturing and occupying the Platrand, with a diversionary attack on Observation Hill on the opposite side of the town. Poorly coordinated with the artillery bombardment, the attacks were easily beaten off. Deneys Reitz described it as a “typical piece of bungling”. The following day the Transvaal Boer officers assembled in the main laager to hear Joubert express the opinion that he considered it doubtful that Ladysmith could be taken by storm. It was therefore resolved to send a commando, 2,500 strong, southwards to destroy the railway lines and so prevent the enemy from sending reinforcements to Ladysmith. Orange Free State Chief Commandant Marthinus Prinsloo was not enthusiastic about this plan but nevertheless reluctantly agreed to allow only 500 of his men, instead of the requested 1,000, to join the raid. The Boer horses needed rest and the expedition left Ladysmith only on 13th November with just 1,500 riders. Attacking and capturing an armoured train (and a young journalist named Winston Churchill) on 15th November encouraged them to proceed further. After an indecisive clash with a British force at Willow Grange, outside Estcourt, a decision had to be made about whether to return back over the Tugela River or make a further advance.
The mandatory krygsraad decided to
return. Joubert had fallen from his horse and suffered severe bruising. In pain
from the internal injuries he went by train to Volksrust for treatment.
The mandatory krygsraad decided to
return. Joubert had fallen from his horse and suffered severe bruising. In pain
from the internal injuries he went by train to Volksrust for treatment.
