Platrand is a long strategic hill (about 3 km in length) on the south side of Ladysmith which overlooks the town.
It was recognised by both the British and the Boers as a critical section in the town’s defences.
The eastern portion of the hill was called Caesar’s Camp and the west end Wagon Hill.
The British built a number of defensive positions on the northern side of Platrand and had a number of artillery pieces in gun pits.
At 2 am on 6 January 1900 the Boers mounted attacks at both Caesar’s Camp and Wagon Hill. Fierce fighting took place throughout the day until around 5 pm when a blinding rain and hail storm broke.
In order to drive the Boers from the crest, a bayonet charge by the Devonshire Regiment was ordered. This charge succeeded.
The British suffered 172 killed and 251 wounded.
This was the last major attack by the Boers on Ladysmith.
