Spion Kop – A mountain where the British fought against the Boers
Visit the Spion Kop mountain near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal to see where the iconic British defeat by the Boers took place between 23 and 24 January 1900.
Robert A Heinlein once said: “A generation which ignores history has no past — and no future.” It is therefore important to know historical events and where they took place.
One of the most important battles of the Anglo-Boer Wars took place from 23 to 24 January 1900 near the uThukela River at the Spion Kop.
20,000 British troops waged war against 8,000 Boers at the Spion Kop mountain.
The British leader, General Sir Redvers Buller, attempted for the second time to cross the Tugela River and relieve Ladysmith. The two sides battled tooth and nail for hours despite the tough weather conditions. By morning, the boers emerged victorious. The British suffered a military blow under the might of the Boer forces.
When you visit the mountain, you will also get to see where some of the bodies were buried in the trenches at the site of the battle.
Due to the historical significance of the war, football team Liverpool named a stand behind their goal, ‘The Kop’. Other football teams have followed suit.
So, head to the Spion Kop for a great historical experience.
For more KZN Travels articles read below:
Main image courtesy of iStock