Magersfontein was a farm about 20 km south of Kimberley.
The Boers, anticipating a bombardment on the high ground on the farm, entrenched themselves at the base. On the afternoon of 10 December 1899, the British artillery bombarded the hills on Magersfontein, without reply from the Boers.
That night, the Highland Brigade started a night March, being supported by an artillery bombardment in the early hours of the following day.
As daylight broke the Boers opened fire on the British, who with limited cover, were literally ‘mowed’ down.
Late in the afternoon the Boers allowed the wounded British, to lay down their rifles and leave the battlefield.
The following day, with the Boers still in their trenches, a truce was called for the wounded to be attended to and the dead removed. British losses were 198 killed and 652 wounded. Two VC’s were awarded.
