Today in Kimberley's History
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89 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.
News has come in of a victory of Sir George White's at Ladysmith, which the Boers actually attacked. The English took and retook the positions several times; the enemy finally being driven off on all sides at the point of the bayonet with heavy losses. This is the first time Boers have attacked a fortified position with anything but artillery.
Our Relief Column is still at Modder River and have occasional skirmishes with the enemy. We suppose they are waiting for Lord Roberts and reinforcements - so possess our souls in patience still.
We hear today that poor little Kuruman has had to surrender after a whole day's fighting against the Boers, who had returned after being beaten before, with a big gun, and the weak defences of the place were unable to withstand a bombardment. Captain Bates, the 'Jameson Raid' man, who cut the wires and fences then, was taken prisoner; and also our old friend Mr Hilliard, the Magistrate, amongst them. The fight took place on New Year's Day, and is one of the pluckiest incidents of this part of the country.
Extract from "The Diary of a Doctor's Wife – During the Siege of Kimberley October 1899 to February 1900" by Winifred Heberden.
News has come in of a victory of Sir George White's at Ladysmith, which the Boers actually attacked. The English took and retook the positions several times; the enemy finally being driven off on all sides at the point of the bayonet with heavy losses. This is the first time Boers have attacked a fortified position with anything but artillery.
Our Relief Column is still at Modder River and have occasional skirmishes with the enemy. We suppose they are waiting for Lord Roberts and reinforcements - so possess our souls in patience still.
We hear today that poor little Kuruman has had to surrender after a whole day's fighting against the Boers, who had returned after being beaten before, with a big gun, and the weak defences of the place were unable to withstand a bombardment. Captain Bates, the 'Jameson Raid' man, who cut the wires and fences then, was taken prisoner; and also our old friend Mr Hilliard, the Magistrate, amongst them. The fight took place on New Year's Day, and is one of the pluckiest incidents of this part of the country.
P.W. Botha is born - 1916
Former South Africa state president, Pieter Willem Botha, (also known as Die Groot Krokodile - The Big Crocodile) was born on the farm Telegraaf in Paul Roux district, Free State. Before he became state president he served as Prime Minister from 1978 until 1984. Botha became president after 1983 constitutional amendments, which made provision for the creation of executive presidency.
Former South Africa state president, Pieter Willem Botha, (also known as Die Groot Krokodile - The Big Crocodile) was born on the farm Telegraaf in Paul Roux district, Free State. Before he became state president he served as Prime Minister from 1978 until 1984. Botha became president after 1983 constitutional amendments, which made provision for the creation of executive presidency.
South African forces invade German South West Africa (now Namibia) in 1915
On January 12th 1915 the South African forces move in strength into German South West Africa (now Namibia). The forces include the Kimberley Regiment.
On January 12th 1915 the South African forces move in strength into German South West Africa (now Namibia). The forces include the Kimberley Regiment.
