Why the Boers Lost the War

Scholtz, Leopold

doi:10.1057/9780230513310

Cited by 5 publications

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“…On 11 February 1900, Roberts launched his campaign from Modder River against Cronje, who was still dug in at Magersfontein. 69 When French broke through the Boer lines and relieved Kimberley on 15 February, 70 Cronje realised that he could be outflanked by Roberts, and he decided to retreat in the direction of Bloemfontein. 71 Cronje was of the opinion that brigade, to immediately set after Cronje and impede his progress by attacking him from the rear.…”

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Success and Failure Along the Modder River During the Anglo-Boer War: The Influence of Terrain

Smit

Rensburg

2014

Sci.Mil.

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The influence of terrain 1 on military operations is a well-known and wellresearched topic. In a South African context, the body of literature about this topic is, however, not as well developed. This article strives to make a contribution to literature about South African battles and the influence of terrain on the outcome of such battles. During the Anglo Boer War (1899)(1900)(1901)(1902), two important battles were fought along the Modder River. The first of these battles is known as the Battle of Modder River or Twee Riviere (Two Rivers, if directly translated from Afrikaans), while the other is known as the Battle of Paardeberg. 2 These battles were fought in close proximity to one another, both in distance and time. The terrain of the battlefields played a key role in both engagements. This article suggests that the spatial arrangement of the koppies (hills) and the fact that they were much closer to the Boer laager at Paardeberg than at the battle of Modder River played a key role in Cronje's surrender to the British.

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confidence: 99%