At the foot of Surprise Hill ‘B’ and ‘G’ companies formed outwards to try and prevent the Boers working round the flanks. Captain Johnny Gough and ‘A’ Company had been chosen to lead the attack. His company advanced straight up the hill but with a gap in their line in case the Boer gun should open fire. Clearly, the British believed their climb would be detected long before they reached the top. British army footwear from the Victorian era until 1958 was so-called ‘ammunition boots’ – BGS or Boots General Service. They were unlined ankle-boots with leather uppers and sides, iron heel-plate and toe-plate, and an iron-studded leather sole. They were designed to be hard-wearing and
long-lasting rather than comfortable. By the time they were half way up, any idea of not being heard seemed out of the question, as the noise of ammunition boots on the rocks, and the constant clatter of men slipping and stumbling sounded terrific to their ears. Only very near the top was there a challenge from a Boer sentry – “Wer da?” repeated twice and followed by a shot from his rifle. Metcalfe, as had been pre-arranged, shouted out “Fix bayonets!” and the
Riflemen gave wild cheer and charged over the crest.
long-lasting rather than comfortable. By the time they were half way up, any idea of not being heard seemed out of the question, as the noise of ammunition boots on the rocks, and the constant clatter of men slipping and stumbling sounded terrific to their ears. Only very near the top was there a challenge from a Boer sentry – “Wer da?” repeated twice and followed by a shot from his rifle. Metcalfe, as had been pre-arranged, shouted out “Fix bayonets!” and the
Riflemen gave wild cheer and charged over the crest.
