Battle of Magersfontein
Magersfontein, near Kimberley, South Africa
What happened
A British army under Lord Methuen fought Boer forces of the South African Republic and Orange Free State under Piet Cronjé and Koos de la Rey. Methuen was trying to reach the besieged town of Kimberley. The Boers dug their trenches at the foot of the hills rather than on the slopes, so British shelling missed them. At dawn the Highland Brigade came within about 400 yards of the trenches and was stopped by heavy fire.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was one of three British defeats in a single week in December 1899, known as 'Black Week'. It changed how Britain saw the war and led to more troops and new commanders.
What came next
Lord Roberts took command in South Africa, and Kimberley was relieved on 15 February 1900. Cronjé surrendered at Paardeberg on 27 February 1900.
Timeline
- 10 December 1899The British are defeated at Stormberg.
- 11 December 1899The Boers win at Magersfontein.
- 15 December 1899The British are defeated at Colenso.
- 15 February 1900Kimberley is relieved.
- 27 February 1900Cronjé surrenders at Paardeberg.