The Battle of Talana, which was the first set piece battle of the South African War (1899-1902) was fought just outside Dundee in Natal on 20 October 1899.
At dawn Boer Commandos had occupied the hills of Talana and Impati north of Dundee. The British infantry, on being made aware of the Boer presence, moved forward to make a frontal attack, and reached the foot of the hill where they were pinned down by heavy rifle fire from the top of Talana Hill.
Due to heavy British artillery fire on Talana Hill by the British forces in the town, the British soldiers were able to proceed up the hill. However a number of British soldiers lost their lives from this artillery bombardment as a result of a lack of communication between the British ‘camps’.
With the arrival of British forces, the Boers abandoned their positions on the hill.
British casualties were considerable with 50 killed 210 wounded, and 230 being taken prisoner.
General Penn-Symonds who was wounded in the battle, died a few days later.
