In early September 1901 General Louis Botha commenced with his second expedition to Natal. A British force under Major Gough noticed a commando of Boers under Commandant Opperman who had de-saddled and appeared to be getting ready to encamp for the night. Instead of waiting for additional forces who were a number of hours away (under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart) to launch a combined attack, Gough decided to attack the Boers.
Unbeknown to Gough, General Botha was close by, but well hidden by the surrounding terrain. The British were overwhelmed when Botha’s men joined the battle which lasted for less than 15 minutes. British losses were one officer and 19 men killed, five officers and 19 men wounded, and 235 men captured.
Lieutenant L.A.E. Price-Davies was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery.
