The order to retire was given by Metcalfe and the retirement down the hill commenced. The men were in a jocular mood after what seemed to have been a totally successful exploit. Laughing and joking they made their way towards Ladysmith and the safety of their camp. The Boers had been completely outwitted and the “good old Rifle Brigade” had triumphed. In fact, the Boers had been aroused and numbers of them had taken positions from both sides and were waiting to open fire on the retiring British. Dawnay reported that they were about a third of the way down the hill when they were met by a withering fire. Orders were given not to return fire, and only to use the bayonet. Thesiger commented that they were in a pretty tight place and Johnny Gough was grazed by shrapnel from a shot fired by a Free State gunner on Telegraph Hill.
