Batlle of Kalkheuwel - Blue Plaque Design - Magaliesberg Culture and Heritage
 

On 3 June 1900 a British column of 4,500 horsemen under Lieutenant General John French were advancing to occupy Pretoria. On this spot they were ambushed by a Boer commando led by General Sarel du Toit. The narrow Kalkheuwel Pass (now the R512) prevented guns and reinforcements from moving to the front line. Skirmishes continued all night. The British dragged their artillery up the adjacent rocky slopes, gaining advantage. The Boers retreated before dawn, having lost twenty men but they had delayed the British and saved most of their wagons from capture. Three British soldiers were killed and several were wounded.

Click here to read a short history of the battle.

 
Plaque Location: 
 
Plaque Address: 

Garden of the the Lion and Safari Park, 14kms past Lanseria Airport on the R512

 
 
 
 

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General French’s column approaching Kalkheuwel

 

Battle of Kalkheuwel. Front ranks of British column under fire.

 

Royal artillery unable to position guns

 

Royal artillery unable to position guns