Some explanation is needed of Lord Methuen’s appearance upon the central scene of warfare, his division having, when last described, been at Boshof, not far from Kimberley, where early in April he fought the successful action which led to the death of Villebois.  Thence he proceeded along the Vaal and then south to Kroonstad, arriving there on May 28th.  He had with him the 9th Brigade (Douglas’s), which contained the troops which had started with him for the relief of Kimberley six months before.  These were the Northumberland Fusiliers, Loyal North Lancashires, Northamptons, and Yorkshire Light Infantry.  With him also were the Munsters, Lord Chesham’s Yeomanry (five companies), with the 4th and 37th batteries, two howitzers and two pom-poms.  His total force was about 6000 men.  On arriving at Kroonstad he was given the task of relieving Heilbron, where Colvile, with the Highland Brigade, some Colonial horse, Lovat’s Scouts, two naval guns, and the 5th battery, were short of food and ammunition.  The more urgent message from the Yeomen at Lindley, however, took him on a fruitless journey to that town on June 1st.  So vigorous was the pursuit of the Yeomanry that the leading squadrons, consisting of South Notts Hussars and Sherwood Rangers, actually cut into the Boer convoy and might have rescued the prisoners had they been supported.  As it was they were recalled, and had to fight their way back to Lindley with some loss, including Colonel Rolleston, the commander, who was badly wounded.  A garrison was left under Paget, and the rest of the force pursued its original mission to Heilbron, arriving there on June 7th, when the Highlanders had been reduced to quarter rations.  ‘The Salvation Army’ was the nickname by which they expressed their gratitude to the relieving force.

A previous convoy sent to the same destination had less good fortune.  On June 1st fifty-five wagons started from the railway line to reach Heilbron.  The escort consisted of one hundred and sixty details belonging to Highland regiments without any guns, Captain Corballis in command.  But the gentleman with the tinted glasses was waiting on the way.  ’I have twelve hundred men and five guns.  Surrender at once!’ Such was the message which reached the escort, and in their defenceless condition there was nothing for it but to comply.  Thus one disaster leads to another, for, had the Yeomanry held out at Lindley, De Wet would not on June 4th have laid hands upon our wagons; and had he not recruited his supplies from our wagons it is doubtful if he could have made his attack upon Roodeval.  This was the next point upon which he turned his attention.