After the Battle of Modder River, Commandant-General Piet Cronje laagered his force at Brown’s Drift, a drift which crosses the Modder River near the western border of the Orange Free State.
He stayed there until 14 February 1900, when, because of the advancing British troops, he moved to Bosjespan.
Bosjespan is 10 km to the east of Brown’s Drift. Cronje only stayed here for 2 days, again being forced to move because of the proximity of the British.
On 16 February 1900 Cronje continued his retreat but had to abandon 80 wagons due to there being not enough oxen available.
