Lord Methuen approached a crossing of the Modder River, aiming to engage Koos de la Rey at Magersfontein, but had no proper scouting or advance guard. Hence the Boers who were actually hidden behind the steep banks of the river itself took the British entirely by surprise. Many were killed immediately. Hundreds more dived to the ground since there was no cover to shelter behind. They then had to endure 10 hours of blistering sun before night fell and they could be recovered. By morning the Boers had disappeared.

British Colonial forces

Number engaged :

10,000

Casualties :

485 (4.85%)

Boer forces

Number engaged :

7,000

Casualties :

n/a