Botha’s Pass, about 25 km north west of Newcastle, was named after Commandant-General Botha’s grandfather who had farmed in the area. General Buller, who was making his way with his force to the Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga) surprised the Boer Commandos occupying the pass. The Boers being totally outnumbered offered little resistance and retreated, making their way to the strongly held Laing’s Nek. British casualties are reported to have been between 15 and 25.
