First Anglo-Boer War

Battle for Majuba Hill

(27 February 1881)

Battle for Majuba Hill

"Remember Majuba" were the words often used by British soldiers during the Second Anglo-Boer war. A testament to the crushing defeat suffered by the British at the hands of the Boers during this final battle of the first Anglo-Boer war.

The British lost two previous encounters, one at Laingsnek and the other at Schuinshoogte. What drove General Sir George Pomeroy-Colley on a hasty decision to occupy the top of Majuba hill is shrouded in mystery. A number of theories exist ranging from personal glory to boosting troop moral. One source even claims his wife had something to do with it. In hindsight it was a terrible decision for which he paid with his life.

At 21h30 on Saturday 26 February 1881, Colley assembled a force of 554 riflemen and under cover of darkness, started the eight kilometre march from Mount Prospect over the eastern slopes of Nkwelo mountains, across the connecting ridge and up the steep slopes of Majuba hill. Artillery was not taken up the mountain. The 9-pounders were too heavy and the 7-pounder mountain guns could have been dragged up the hill but it's steep slopes would have made it an extremely difficult undertaking. Besides, what use are field guns without an infantry follow up.

The troops finally breasted the summit of Majuba hill between 3h00 and 4h00 on Sunday morning. The headquarters, hospital, commissariat and about 110 troops were positioned in the central depression. The remaining troops were stationed at various places along the perimeter. 80 picks and spades were carried up Majuba hill but very little effort was made to build breastworks and trenches. Also, no effort was made at reconnaissance.

By daybreak the British occupiers of Majuba hill had a commanding view of the Boer camps to the North and behind Laingsnek. They certainly thought the Boers were at their mercy. British troops waved their fists and shouted insults at the Boers instead of remaining quietly hidden and surprising the Boer patrol that occupied Majuba hill during the day. Instead, some shots were fired at the Boer patrol alerting the Boers of the British occupation at the top of the hill. This is one version of events. The other is that a Mrs. De Jager saw the flare from her kitchen door that was lit by Colley to signal Mount Prospect of his successful assent of Majuba hill. She promptly rode on horseback to alert the Boers.

The Boers wasted no time in ejecting the British troops from Majuba hill. This task was entrusted to Commandant N.J. Smit. The main boer force approached the hill from the north. Using fire and movement tactics, the Boer forces made their way up the hill using sparse scrub and dead ground for cover. The first shots were fired at 8h00 against a small group 92^nd Gordons Highlanders who had moved too far forward in pre-dawn and occupied the first slopes between the crest and Gordan's knoll. From behind this knoll the Boers proceeded to shoot anyone who showed himself on the skyline. After taking care of the defenders, the Boer rushed the summit where they engaged about twenty men of the 92^nd Gordon highlanders who were posted on MacDonald's Koppie.

From this point, British troop moral and discipline fell apart. Troops left their posts and gathered behind the low ridge in the centre. Officer tried in vain to rally their troops and get them back to their posts. Efforts were made to get troops to the Highlanders and although the orders were obeyed, it was done with reluctance. This mixed group of reserves, made up of 92^nd Gordon Highlanders, 58^th Regiment and Bluejackets opened heavy fire on the Boers who retreated to behind the knoll. There was a lull in firing and both Boers and British used the opportunity to re-group.

There were several requests made to Colley to allow the troops a bayonet charge but were refused. Rather, he wanted to wait for the Boers to advance and then “give them a volley and charge”. The Boers had by now quietly slipped around to the right of the British. They opened fire on the back of the British at almost point-blank range. Now a body of Boers was attacking the left-front flank. The British defence broke with troops scrambling to the south-east perimeter.

Colley shouted at his fleeing force to, 'Steady and hold the ridge'. Colley fell mortally wounded. A number of Boers claimed the honour of killing the enemy commander. Who actually fired the fatal shot is unknown. With Colley down, the battle was almost at an end. A bit more sporadic firing and the British captives were rounded up. Some hiding behind bushes in the hope of making it back to camp under the cover of darkness.

The Boers didn't wait to attack the two groups left by Colley on the ridge between Nkwelo and Majuba hill. The group nearest Majuba hill was attacked first but before committing to the battle they were ordered to retreat. The second group also retreated without firing a single shot.

After the battle of Majuba hill, provisional peace terms were negotiated at O'Neills cottage just below the ridge between Nkwela and Majuba hill. The peace terms were finally ratified in August 1881.

Map

References and Resources 7 Battles That Shaped South Africa Greg Mills; David Williams An excellent read cum guide book about seven decisive battles which shaped South Africa, and the distinctive personalities involved. The authors visited all the sites themselves and the book contains substantial new information, including the Black perspective on the various battles and on the aftermath of Cuito Canavale. The South African Military History Society - The Battle of Majuba