The beginning of May 1900 saw the start of the British advance northwards towards Johannesburg and Pretoria. The Boers decided to make an effort to prevent this advance and to defend Kroonstad, the town where a number of Boer krijgsraad (councils-of-war) had been held in March.
The Sand River, over which the railway line to the north was built, seemed the ideal defensive position. General Louis Botha joined the Free State Boers and together there was a force of about 8 000. They positioned themselves on the northern banks of the river which ran from east to west. The railway bridge was destroyed and the British had to find an alternate route to advance north.
On 9 May the British force, under Colonel Porter found an unoccupied drift (Du Preez Laager Drift) west of the railway, and proceeded with their advance. Once the position had been secured the 1st Cavalry Brigade crossed in strength.
On the same day Major-General Hamilton’s Brigade occupied another drift (Junction Drift) also west of the railway line, and crossed in force the following day. These two crossings exposed the right flank of the Boer position.
By early morning on 11 May all leading units of Major-General French’s force were now across the river. General Botha had consolidated the Boer central position having realised his right flank was outnumbered and fierce fighting ensued. After a full day of engagement the Boers retreated. The British losses were over 20 killed and 50 wounded.
