The engagement at Kraaipan, on a British armoured train, was the first engagement of the South African War (1899-1902). Kraaipan was a postal station on the railway line between Vryburg and Mafeking.
The armoured train, named Mosquito, was carrying heavy artillery, rifles, ammunition and supplies and was derailed. After a five-hour fight the British surrendered with no casualties recorded on either side. The Boers, under the command of Commandant de la Rey made off with supplies, guns, ammunition and prisoners.
