Location: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » Battlefields » ElandslaagteBattle of ElandslaagteWhen the Boers invaded Natal, a force under General Kock occupied the railway station at Elandslaagte on October 19, 1899, thus cutting the link between the main British force at Ladysmith and a detachment at Dundee. Learning that the telegraph had been cut, General Sir George White sent his cavalry commander, Major General John French to recapture the station.
Arriving shortly after dawn on October 21, French found the Boers present in strength, with two field guns. He telegraphed to Ladysmith for reinforcements, which shortly afterwards arrived by train.
While three batteries of British field guns bombarded the Boer position, an infantry battalion advanced frontally in open order, while two more battalions and the dismounted Imperial Light Horse moved around the Boers' left flank, commanded by Colonel Iam Hamilton. The sky had steadily been growing dark with thunderclouds, and as the British made their assault, the storm burst. In the poor visibility and pouring rain, the British infantry had to face a barbed wire farm fence, in which several men were entangled and shot. Nevertheless, they cut the wire or broke it down, and occupied the main part of the Boer position.
Some small parties of Boers were already showing white flags when General Kock led a counterattack, dressed in his top hat and Sunday best. He drove back the British infantry in confusion, but they rallied, inspired by Hamilton (and reportedly, a bugler of the Manchester Regiment and a Pipe-major of the Gordon Highlanders) and charged again. Kock and his companions were killed.
As the remaining Boers mounted their ponies and tried to retreat, two squadrons of British cavalry got among them with lances and sabres, cutting down many. This was almost the only time during the Boer war that a British cavalry charge made contact.
The way was now clear for the British detachment at Dundee to fall back. Unfortunately, Sir George White feared that yet more Boers were about to fall on Ladysmith, and ordered the force at Elandslaagte to fall back there. The British were tired and many officers had been killed. The retreat became a disorderly scramble. The detachment at Dundee was forced to make an exhausting detour before they could reach safety.  
Accommodation in and around Battlefields The Lapha accommodation in Battlefields
Nestled in a lush garden rich in bird life, The Lapha offers upmarket accommodation with controlled access to the property. Conference and office support facilities are available, while the spa bath, summerhouse and games room provide relaxation and ... More
 The Royal Hotel accommodation in Battlefields
Elegant, tastefully-decorated, air-conditioned rooms that contain an extensive array of facilities. Known far and wide for our service and attention to detail, we offer excellent conferences and banqueting facilities. Dining is also a pleasure, with ... More
 Penryn B&B accommodation in Battlefields
PENRYN is a gracious old home, situated in central Dundee, close to all amenities and easily accessible. It is a listed building. The house has been tastefully converted into a charming an... More
 Farquhar Lodge accommodation in Battlefields
Welcome to Farquhar Lodge Bed & BreakfastSet in a beautiful "jungle like" garden. Situated in Central Ladysmith, close to all the main amenities of this historic townOur fifteen comfortable en-suite rooms are available at affo... More
 Battlefields Country Lodge accommodation in Battlefields
Battlefields Country Lodge boasts 50 en-suite rooms, in three different styles, with DSTV and Tea & Coffee Facilities. We also offer campsites for those who like to “ruff it” . Our Silos are defiantly unique in there design model... More
 Buller's Rest Lodge accommodation in Battlefields
This charming country-style, thatch home offers bed and breakfast and dinner on request in a friendly, family atmosphere with beautiful berg views from a magnificent sun deck overlooking Ladysmith. Tasty cooking and comfortable single and double en-s... More
 Nxala Ranch accommodation in Battlefields
Named for the elusive Mountain Reedbuck that roam the 1600 hectares of mountains and green grassland. Nxala Ranch is your ideal breakaway location for the family or corporate guests on a working farm. The thatch-roofed lodge, situated at the foot of... More
 Durnford's Lodge accommodation in Battlefields
Durnford's Lodge is a "Bed & Breakfast" Guest House Style, situated at 28 Francis Road, Ladysmith - close to the C.B.D, yet away from the drone of everyday shopping and traffic.Paddy Ann and Charles are your hosts and are dedicated ... More
 Egerton Manor accommodation in Battlefields
Comfortable, well appointed accommodation offering you a restful night. A real home from home allows for a friendship to develop in a few hours. Centrally Situated: We are situated in the middle of Ladysmith, easily accessible. Delicious Cooking: P... More
 Thatcher's Country Guest House accommodation in Battlefields
Thatcher's Country Guest House is a magnificently thatched homestead situated in the serene splendour of the Biggarsberg in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, and offers a tranquil and distinctive getaway.Thatcher’s is ideally situated midway between... More
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