The column set out at 1 a.m. in the direction of Elandskloof.  It was a bright night, although a thick white mist hung everywhere.  The 19th Hussars, who knew the difficult country, conducted the advance.  After marching for two hours the column found itself in the hills.  A halt was made whilst the three companies of the Regiment extended and occupied the high ground which barred the advance, to drive off any Boers who might be in possession.  This manoeuvre was executed without opposition.  It was learnt, however, that a Boer picquet had been on the top, and had galloped off on the approach of the infantry.  Daylight found the column in possession of Elandskloof, which was reached after a difficult climb by steep and circuitous paths.  Shortly after daylight several Boers were observed to be driving their cattle into kloofs above the Badfontein valley for safety.  An advance was made shortly afterwards towards Schwartz Kopjes, which place was reached without much opposition towards dark.  At Schwartz Kopjes camp was formed for the night, the infantry entrenching themselves in the kopjes round the camp, with one company posted in a farmhouse about 400 yards west of the main camp.

On the following day General Kitchener ordered the mounted troops and guns to make a reconnaissance towards Dulstroom.  Whilst the rest of the force remained in camp, the baggage under escort was sent towards Belfast.  The reconnoitring force fared badly, for after advancing a few miles Boers in large numbers were seen collecting on the high hills due west, and approaching at a rapid pace.  The reconnoitring force was shortly afterwards heavily engaged, and compelled to retire on to the camp.

The infantry were now ordered to retire as rapidly as possible to a ridge in rear, distant about 2000 to 2500 yards.  The cavalry retired hard pressed on to Schwartz Kopjes, which they held until the infantry had completed their movement, when the cavalry again retired back to the neighbourhood of the infantry.  Schwartz kopjes were immediately occupied by the Boers, who collected there in large numbers and endeavoured to get round the flanks of the column.

Followed hotly by the Boers, the column made a rapid retirement, units covering each other until camp was reached.  It was only then that the Boers drew off.  There was no further engagement that day or during the night, and the column completed its advance next day to Belfast, where it arrived about midday and camped to the south side of the railway.

The distribution of the garrison, carried out at the commencement of February, continued more or less the same till the time the Regiment left Lydenburg.  Three companies were north of Lydenburg, and were stationed at the Mission House, Mission Camp Fort, and Bridge Hill.  One company was at Strathcona Hill, south of the town, two companies under the command of Major Davies were at Witklip, whilst the three companies which had proceeded with General Kitchener to Belfast were quartered on their return in Lydenburg.