Battles & Campaigns · 1900
Battle of Bergendal
Bergendal, near Belfast, Mpumalanga, South Africa
What happened
British forces under Lord Roberts and Redvers Buller fought Boer forces under Louis Botha. The Boers had prepared a defence line around the town of Belfast. Buller chose to attack at Bergendal farm, where the Boer line bent outward. After about three hours of artillery fire, British infantry broke through.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the last set-piece battle of the Second Boer War. Days later Roberts declared the whole South African Republic British territory.
What came next
Botha's main army escaped, and the war turned into a guerrilla campaign. Peace came at the end of May 1902.
Did you know?
It was the last time the Boers' four big 'Long Tom' guns fought together.
Timeline
- 21 August 1900Fighting around Belfast begins.
- 27 August 1900British infantry break through at Bergendal.
- 1 September 1900Roberts proclaims the South African Republic British territory.
- May 1902Peace ends the war.