Today in Kimberley's History
|
|
|
|
Beginning of the Anglo-Zulu War - 1879
Sir Bartle Frere was appointed British high commissioner to South Africa in 1879 to realise the policy of confederation (policy to bring the various British colonies, Boer republics and independent African groups under common control, with a view to implementing a policy of economic development). Sir Bartle Frere saw the self-reliant Zulu kingdom as a threat to this policy, a belief supported by Shepstone (Secretary for Native Affairs), who averred that the Zulu people had revived their military power under Cetshwayo, making them more of a threat to peace and prosperity in South Africa.
On 11 December 1878, under the flimsy pretext of a few minor border incursions into Natal by Cetshwayo's followers, the Zulu were given an impossible ultimatum that they should disarm and Cetshwayo should forsake his sovereignty. The inevitable invasion of Zululand began after the ultimatum had expired on 10 January 1879. Instead of fragmenting the Zulu as Shepstone predicted, this made the Zulu rally to their king's cause. Many historians mark the 10 January 1879 as the beginning of the Anglo-Zulu War, while others claim that the 12 January 1879 (first attack) or the 22 January 1879 (first decisive battle of Isandlwana) marked the beginning of the war.
Sir Bartle Frere was appointed British high commissioner to South Africa in 1879 to realise the policy of confederation (policy to bring the various British colonies, Boer republics and independent African groups under common control, with a view to implementing a policy of economic development). Sir Bartle Frere saw the self-reliant Zulu kingdom as a threat to this policy, a belief supported by Shepstone (Secretary for Native Affairs), who averred that the Zulu people had revived their military power under Cetshwayo, making them more of a threat to peace and prosperity in South Africa.
On 11 December 1878, under the flimsy pretext of a few minor border incursions into Natal by Cetshwayo's followers, the Zulu were given an impossible ultimatum that they should disarm and Cetshwayo should forsake his sovereignty. The inevitable invasion of Zululand began after the ultimatum had expired on 10 January 1879. Instead of fragmenting the Zulu as Shepstone predicted, this made the Zulu rally to their king's cause. Many historians mark the 10 January 1879 as the beginning of the Anglo-Zulu War, while others claim that the 12 January 1879 (first attack) or the 22 January 1879 (first decisive battle of Isandlwana) marked the beginning of the war.
Lord. Roberts arrives at the Cape - 1900
Lord Frederick S. Roberts arrives at the Cape, replacing Sir Redvers Buller as commander-in-chief of the British forces in South Africa during the Second Anglo Boer War.
Lord Frederick S. Roberts arrives at the Cape, replacing Sir Redvers Buller as commander-in-chief of the British forces in South Africa during the Second Anglo Boer War.
87 days since beginning of the Siege of Kimberley, 1900
Extract from "The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley October 1899 to February 1900" by Winifred Heberden.
Very early this morning the Kamfersdam 9-pounder began to shell the De Beers' searchlight, but did not succeed in hitting it. Soon after, the Boer guns, from their old position on Lazaretto Ridge, fired into Wesselton, also without success. So by 7 a.m. everything was quiet. At 9.30 I went with Major McGregor on his inspection of the guns at No.1, 2, and 3 Redoubts. I had a good view of the Kamfersdam and Otto's Kopje side of the country, and the more one sees from these Forts round Kimberley, the more impossible it seems that Kimberley can be taken.
The advantages of the numerous high Debris Heaps, most of which are strongly fortified, and the further advantage of open country beyond them across which the Boers would first have to come, make an attack on the town too hazardous for Boer or German to attempt, whatever big guns they bring up to bear upon it now.
At No.3 Redoubt they gave me a lecture on the Maxim gun showing the different parts and how they worked. One can easily realise the expression: 'Mowed down by the Maxims'. Mr Field, (the Despatch Rider) says that the dissatisfaction of the Free State Boers is universal. They have interviewed President Steyn to know what they are fighting for. 'They have no quarrel with the English and their independence they had before,' they tell him.
Extract from "The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley October 1899 to February 1900" by Winifred Heberden.
Very early this morning the Kamfersdam 9-pounder began to shell the De Beers' searchlight, but did not succeed in hitting it. Soon after, the Boer guns, from their old position on Lazaretto Ridge, fired into Wesselton, also without success. So by 7 a.m. everything was quiet. At 9.30 I went with Major McGregor on his inspection of the guns at No.1, 2, and 3 Redoubts. I had a good view of the Kamfersdam and Otto's Kopje side of the country, and the more one sees from these Forts round Kimberley, the more impossible it seems that Kimberley can be taken.
The advantages of the numerous high Debris Heaps, most of which are strongly fortified, and the further advantage of open country beyond them across which the Boers would first have to come, make an attack on the town too hazardous for Boer or German to attempt, whatever big guns they bring up to bear upon it now.
At No.3 Redoubt they gave me a lecture on the Maxim gun showing the different parts and how they worked. One can easily realise the expression: 'Mowed down by the Maxims'. Mr Field, (the Despatch Rider) says that the dissatisfaction of the Free State Boers is universal. They have interviewed President Steyn to know what they are fighting for. 'They have no quarrel with the English and their independence they had before,' they tell him.