The Natal Front
The battles around northern KwaZulu-Natal probably constitute the most protracted and fiercely fought part of the entire Second Anglo-Boer War. In all, six notable battles took place, lasting from half a day at Talana Hill to 14 days at Thukela Heights.
Since they are all interlinked, revolving around the British relief of Ladysmith, they are dealt with under this one heading. For the record, this is where Louis Botha, as a young Boer general, gained his reputation, fearlessly taking on forces often 10 times the size of his own. This campaign is sometimes referred to as the 'Natal Entanglement'. There are several battlefield museums to visit at Dundee, like the Talana, Estcourt and Colenso.
Fugitive's Drift
The battle of 22 January 1879 was a small but significant event on the same day as the great Battle of Isandlwana. Shortly before this engagement commenced, British Lieutenant Melville had been ordered to ride the Queen's Colours of the 1/24th Regiment to safety.
Approaching the flooded Buffalo River, he was joined by Lieutenant Coghill, who got across while Melville was swept off his horse. Coghill dashed downstream and eventually helped Melville across to the Natal side, where they were ambushed by a Zulu scouting party and put to the spear. The Colours were swept downstream where they were recovered some weeks later. Posthumous Victoria Crosses were first awarded in 1905, and among the first recipients in 1907 were Lieutenants Melville and Coghill.
By David Bristow