The 2nd Brigade had marched that morning from Jar to the foot of the
Rambat Pass, which it was intended to cross the next day. Brigadier-
General Jefferys, in anticipation of this movement, sent the Buffs up to
hold the Kotal, and camped at the foot with the rest of his force. The
situation of the camp, which had been adopted with a view to the advance
at daybreak, favored the approach of an enemy. The ground was broken and
intersected by numerous small and tortuous nullahs, and strewn with
rocks. Any other site would, however, have necessitated a long march the
next day, and no attack was thought likely.
At 8.15, as the officers were finishing dinner, three shots rang out in
the silence. They were a signal. Instantly brisk firing broke out from
the nullahs on the face of the square occupied by the Guides Infantry.
Bullets whistled all about the camp, ripping through the tents and
killing and wounding the animals.
The Guides returned the fire with steadiness, and, as the shelter trench
they had dug in front of their section of the line was higher than at
other parts, no officers or men were hit.
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