On 11 July 1900 a British column under General Horace Smith-Dorrien left Krugersdorp to assist the beleaguered town of Rustenburg. On this spot they were ambushed by the Krugersdorp Commando led by General Sarel Oosthuizen. Two guns of the Royal Field Artillery advanced to within rifle range of the Boers who held the surrounding ridge. Within minutes most British gunners and their horses were killed or wounded. The battle lasted all day with men on both sides showing exceptional courage. At sunset General Oosthuizen led a final charge and was mortally wounded. Two captains of the Gordon Highlanders won Victoria Crosses, Britain’s highest award for valour.
The plaque is displayed at the Bru House and Diner on the R563 between Krugersdorp and Hekpoort.
Vincent Carruthers, Rory Taylor and Okkie Ooshuizen unveil the blue plaque for the Battle for Dwarsvlei
Location of the battle
Lieutenant Turner, who was wounded three times, continued to try to fire the guns alone
Okkie Oosthuizen, great grandson of General Sarel Oosthuizen, unveiling the Blue Plaque on a temporary stand on the Battlefield
