After the fall of Pretoria on 5 June 1900 and the subsequent meeting of the senior Boer Generals, the defensive line east of Pretoria was prepared by the Boers from which they hoped to stop the British advance. The position covered 40 km, with the Pretoria/Delagoa Bay railway line running through the centre.
Early on 11 June General Roberts put his plan into action. His cavalry divisions were to attack the two flanks of the Boer line, with the infantry advancing on the Boer’s central position. The British force was supported by at least 70 guns across the 40 km line, with the Boers having half that amount, together with the Long Tom, mounted on a rail-wagon. The day ended with no impact being gained from either side and no action that night.
Early on the following morning the British concentrated their attack on the Boer’s left flank and centre and by midday had gained the upper hand. On the Boer right flank (north), General de la Rey was getting the upper hand against Lieutenant–Colonel French’s forces however by late afternoon the British had broken through on the left flank and centre. This put the railway line in danger and negated an escape route. The Boers were forced to retire during the night of 12 June and regroup. British casualties over the two days are reported to have been 32 killed and 140 wounded.
