Battles & Campaigns · 1901
Battle of Bakenlaagte
Bakenlaagte, South Africa
What happened
Benson's column was marching back to base in poor weather and had spread out. About 900 Boers attacked the rearguard of about 210 men. The rearguard held a position called Gun Hill until it was overwhelmed.
Why it matters
The rearguard's stand gave the main column time to form a defensive ring, so the Boers could not overrun it as planned.
What came next
Benson died of his wounds the next morning.
Did you know?
Botha reportedly rode about 40 km without stopping to reach the battle with reinforcements.
Timeline
- 13 Dec 1900Battle of Nooitgedacht.
- 30 Oct 1901Battle of Bakenlaagte.
- 7 Mar 1902Battle of Tweebosch.
- 31 May 1902Treaty of Vereeniging.