Trailrider
Bachelor Dog
Battle of Modder River
Size of the armies: 8,000 British against 9,000 Boers.
The Boers under General Piet Cronje had been reinforced by a substantial contingent from the Transvaal under General Koos de la Rey, who proposed a radical new plan of defence.
Methuen's force consisted of two infantry brigades, two mounted regiments, three batteries of field artillery (18th, 62nd and 75th) and four guns of the Naval Brigade. Further reinforcements were arriving up the railway.
The British cavalry made some attempts to scout the ground ahead of the army, but failed entirely to detect De la Rey's trenches and other preparations. The British troops came within 1,200 yards (1,100 m) of the river. At this point the Boers opened fire. Most of the British troops were forced to throw themselves flat. The Guards tried to outflank the Boer left, but were unable to ford the Riet River.
The battle became a day-long stalemate. By nightfall, De la Rey had driven them back into a small insecure bridgehead. Nevertheless, the Boers feared that they were now vulnerable to being outflanked, and withdrew during the night.
The British suffered 450 casualties and the Boers 75 casualties.
The English advanced along the railway line. This is the bridge where the railway crosses Modder river.
This block house was built later to protect the infrastucture.
This is what the battlefield looks like today. Amazing to think over 500 people died here that day.
