Battles & Campaigns · 1900
Battle of Poplar Grove
Modder River, South Africa
What happened
As the British advanced on Bloemfontein, French's cavalry swung wide around the Boer left side to attack from behind. Mounted infantry and horse artillery attacked from the right. The Boers, already shaken by the surrender at Paardeberg, left their positions before the cavalry arrived.
Why it matters
It opened the way for the British advance on Bloemfontein, the Orange Free State capital.
What came next
The British won again at Driefontein on 10 March and took Bloemfontein unopposed on 13 March.
Did you know?
President Paul Kruger was visiting his soldiers at Poplar Grove that day and was hurried away in his cart when the British approached.
Timeline
- 27 Feb 1900Cronjé surrenders at Paardeberg.
- 7 Mar 1900Battle of Poplar Grove.
- 10 Mar 1900Battle of Driefontein.
- 13 Mar 1900British take Bloemfontein.