Dronfield is a station just north of Kimberley, on the line to Mafeking. To the east of the station is a ridge – Dronfield Ridge, which was occupied by the Boers at the beginning of the siege of Kimberley.
On 24 October 1899, the Boers were driven off the lodge by a force sent from Kimberley, reinforced by an armoured train. De la Rey re-took the position on 1 November. Kimberley was eventually relieved on the afternoon of 15 February 1900.
However, on 16 February 1900, Major-General French who had been in command of the relieving force decided to pursue the rear-guard of the Boer troops who were being protected by a force entrenched on the ridge at Dronfield. He had also wanted to try and capture the Long Tom which had created so much panic during the siege. The Boers put up a spirited defence but eventually withdrew leaving behind a 9-pounder field gun and many casualties. French gave up his pursuit of the retreating Boers due to the state of his horses, and returned to Kimberley.
