Battles & Campaigns · 1899
Battle of Stormberg
Stormberg, South Africa
What happened
Gatacre tried to retake Stormberg railway junction, which the Boers had seized. His troops went by train to Molteno and then marched at night, but got lost. At dawn some attacked a steep hill without orders and were stopped, and the British fell back in disorder, leaving many men behind who were captured.
Why it matters
It was the first of three British defeats in 'Black Week'. It left the railways supporting the British march on Kimberley exposed.
What came next
British defeats followed at Magersfontein the next day and at Colenso on 15 December.
Did you know?
The British artillery had to fire with the rising sun in their eyes.
Timeline
- 10 Dec 1899Battle of Stormberg.
- 11 Dec 1899Battle of Magersfontein.
- 15 Dec 1899Battle of Colenso ends Black Week.