On 27 August 1900, the Battle of Bergendal, described by most historians as the last set piece battle of the South African War, was fought. Bergendal was a farm 5 km from Belfast, on the way to Machadadorp. General Buller’s Natal Force had finally met up with Lord Roberts’ force, and the Boers were totally outnumbered. The British had placed 40 guns on the high ground and bombarded the Boer position on Bergendal, which was manned by the ZARPS (South African Police). At the end of the bombardment the Rifle Brigade, together with the Inniskilling Fusiliers advanced on the Boer position, forcing the ZARPS to retire. The stance made by the ZARPS is legendary. The total Boer force retired to different areas of the Transvaal to commence the guerrilla phase of the war which was to last almost two years.
British casualties for the day amounted to over 350 killed or wounded.
This defeat of the Boers resulted in the start of the guerrilla phase of the war. On 1 September, Lord Roberts proclaimed the entire South African Republic British territory.
