The garrison in Estcourt was 2,000 men – a battalion each of the Dublin Fusiliers (sent hurriedly down the line from Ladysmith) and the Border Regiment, a squadron of the Imperial Light Horse and some Natal Volunteers. There was also an armoured train, a sort of moving fortress. The engine was one of the Natal Government Railways’ latest, equipped as it was with a tender carrying coal and water to greatly enhance its range. Two trucks were pushed and three were pulled – the front truck having a muzzle-loading naval gun mounted. Then followed a truck reinforced with steel plates through which loopholes had been cut. Two more armoured trucks and a wagon containing materials to repair the line were behind the engine.