by Allan Gordon | Feb 24, 2020 | Events, South African War 1899 - 1902
In the meantime, down in the Free State the British ‘siege’ on Cronje’s laager was in place. Had the British learnt from the Boers? Roberts had proposed a withdrawal as too many British troops were engaged in the so called ‘siege’. However, to do so would have...
by Allan Gordon | Feb 22, 2020 | Battles, South African War 1899 - 1902
Having occupied the ring of hills south of Colenso in mid February, Buller’s plans were now to repeat that exercise, but this time north of Colenso. Lieutenant-Colonel Wynne was ordered to take a hill just west of Langverwacht Spruit, known as Green Hill, and the...
by Allan Gordon | Feb 22, 2020 | Anniversaries, South African War 1899 - 1902
Lord Baden-Powell, better known as the founder of the Boy Scouts movement, was born on 22 February 1857. Baden–Powell saw service in Southern Africa in the Anglo-Zulu War and in the Matabeleland Campaign. He is best known for his role in the Defence of...
by Allan Gordon | Feb 20, 2020 | Anniversaries, South African War 1899 - 1902
Colonel Henry Seymour Rawlinson was born on 20 February 1864. He saw service in the South African War from 1899 to 1902. He was involved in the final battle of the war – the Battle of Rooiwal on 11 April 1902.
by Allan Gordon | Feb 18, 2020 | Battles, South African War 1899 - 1902
Monte Cristo and the less impressive Green Hill were now the final of the ring of hills before Hlangwane could be attacked. Green Hill on the west was occupied by Colonel Norcott whilst Colonel Dundonald attacked the eastern side of the ridge. After a preliminary...
by Allan Gordon | Feb 17, 2020 | Events, South African War 1899 - 1902
The events leading up to the Battle of Paardeberg and the capture of Boer General Piet Cronje started on this day. Cronje was retreating with his forces and a large convoy of wagons from the Northern Cape towards Bloemfontein. On 17 February 1900 he reached the...