Colenso is a town 20 km south of Ladysmith and commanded a strategic rail and road link from the coast. Early in November 1899, with Ladysmith under siege, the Boers occupied the hills to the north of the town and a few weeks later started an advance on the town, just to the north of the Tugela River.
Boer General Botha also occupied Hlangwane Hill, to the North East of the town, but across the Tugela River.
On 14 December, General Buller launched a day long artillery attack on the Boers positions. The Boers, because of this, expected an attack from the British. Early on the Morning of 15 December the British started with their artillery bombardment of the Boer positions, and Colonel Long moved his artillery into position to face the Boers. They had unfortunately not waited for infantry support, and being within rifle range, the Boers took advantage.
When Buller realised that his guns were silenced and his troops were pinned down, he called off the attack.
Attempts to rescue the guns failed, but in this cause eight V.C.s were awarded.
