MAGERSFONTEINAfter abandoning their positions on the Modder River on 28 November 1899, the Boer forces occupied Spytfontein and then set up a new defence line around the Magersfontein Hills. The British artillery pounded the Boer positions on 10 December 1899 to little effect, and during the night the Boers took up positions in the 16-km-long network of trenches they had dug on the plains. At first light, they opened fire on the advancing Highland Brigade, inflicting heavy casualties on the Highlanders and pinning them down in the open. A staggering total of 948 British soldiers were killed, wounded or taken prisoner, and among the dead was Major-General Andrew Wauchope, the brigade commander. Boer losses totalled about 87 killed, 168 wounded and 21 taken prisoner. Among the numerous monuments in the area are the Highland Regiment Memorial, dedicated to the 211 officers and men who were killed in the battle, or died of wounds, and the Black Watch Memorial. |
