Anglo Boer War
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“Hello, I’m Ron Gold. For as long as I can remember, history has held a fascination for me. Now that I’m retired and live in an area of such rich historical significance, I take pleasure in hosting guided tours, mostly of the Anglo-Boer War battlefields and specialise particularly in the battles of Colenso and Spieonkop. I do like to have a preliminary “briefing session” with my guests. I can do this at Halls Country House, on the evening prior to the tour (over a beer or two) or over breakfast on the day. I feel it’s important to give you some feel for the historical context before you reach the sites.” |
Our first offering, a half-day tour follows the fortunes of the Boer raiding party from their crossing of the Thukela River on 14 November; the ambush of the armoured train and the capture of Winston Churchill the following day; to the battle of Willow Grange on 23 November.
Willow Grange is one of the most unspoiled pieces of Africa in our area. We’ll drive up the old Natal Government Railway railbed, from the original Willow Grange station, onto Brynbella Hill and enjoy spectacular views of unspoiled countryside. After viewing the Boer positions, the tour continues on towards Harris Hill where the story of this landmark battle unfolds.
Anglo Boer War
The Battles of Colenso & Spioenkop
Full-Day Tour
Winston Churchill's Capture
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The Anglo Boer War
Battle of Colenso
Thereafter the guided tour moves on to Clouston and we’ll talk through the Battle of Colenso from what was Gen. Sir Redvers Buller’s command centre. The Battle of Colenso - the final disaster of the Anglo Boer War “Black Week” - was the culmination of an unfortunate period in British military history. We’ll cover the incident of the “Saving of the Guns” – 6 Victoria Crosses were won in as many minutes. And the battle in The Loop that led to the formation of The Irish Guards. The Battle of Colenso produced innovations in concealment tecniques – on the Boer side - resulting in over 80% of the British soldiers, involved in the front line of the battle, stating that they "did not see a Boer all day". We’ll also talk about the much-vaunted new explosive – lyddite – used by the British artillery and the smokeless powder in the Mauser rifle cartridges used by the Boers.
We’ll visit the Gun Site, Ambleside Cemetery, The Loop and Chieveley.
The Anglo Boer War
Battle of Spioenkop
The lonely Spioenkop hilltop – possibly one of the best preserved battlefields in the world – became, for a few hours, the platform (in varying degrees) for three future world leaders: Louis Botha, Winston Churchill and Mahatma Ghandi.
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“By about 5:00, you’ll probably be ready for a drink, which we’ll have on the Spioenkop summit, as the sun sets. This is usually a special experience, as we’ll have the site to ourselves. Then we’ll head back to Halls for an evening of reflections on the Anglo Boer War. You’ll find that it’s been a long day, but a very rewarding one…”
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Midlands Meander accommodation
in the Drakensberg foothills
for information, enquiries or reservations
phone Janette on +27 (0)33 263 2696
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