3 76
Realisation at home of the magnitude of the
task before the
country.
CHAPTER XXIII.
LORD ROBERTS’ APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMAND IN SOUTH
AFRICA.
After three reverses at Stormberg, Magersfontein and Colenso, it was clear to all that forces far larger than had been estimated would be now required for the war. Much had already been done before the news of Colenso arrived. Another division— the 5 th—prepared at home early in November for service in South Africa, was due in a few days’ time at Cape Town. A sixth division had been mobilised at the end of November and was on the point of embarkation,* and the mobilisation of a seventh had been ordered as soon as the news of Stormberg and Magersfontein had reached England. Yet there was cause for anxiety. Until the 5th division actually landed, not a man was available to be sent forward to reinforce either Lord Methuen on the Modder, or the troops under Sir R. Buller’s immediate command facing the Tugela. After Stormberg, Sir W. Gatacre had been strengthened with the ist Derbyshire from the lines of communication. He had now a weak brigade to cover all the eastern province, from Queenstown northwards. Lt.-General French had, it is true, successfully checked the Boer advance into the Colesberg district, but his success had been due to skilful tactics and audacity, not to any superiority in strength.
* The despatch of a 6th division to South Africa had been offered to, and accepted by, Sir R. Buller. His telegram is dated ist December, 1899. He wished this division to arrive in Cape Colony on ist January, by which date he then hoped to begin his advance into the Free State by Bethulie.