The Battle of Brakfontein

INTRODUCTION

The Battle of Brakfontein was a short brutal battle between joint Australian and British troops against a larger Boer force fought during the Boer War (1899-1902). The Battle of Brakfontein took place in the Brakfontein Drift on the Elands River on modern South Africa, from 4 August 1900 to 16 August 1900. The Boer’s objective was seize the mass supplies being transported along the Elands River, garrisoned by Australian troops. The supplies being transported in the siege of the Elands River Post was a result of the fall of Pretoria in June 1900. The mission objective of deploying Australian troops during 1900 to South Africa was to: defend Cape Colony by stopping the Boer advance, thus protecting the British interests and also nurture Australia’s newly formed relationship with Great Britain.

AUSTRALIAN FORCES INVOLVED

The Battle of Brakfontein in which Australian troops played a major part in defending the siege of Elands River Post, was one of the most remarkable engagement of the Boer War. During the battle, 505 men defended against the siege led by Boer General De la Rey, attacking mass supplies being moved along the Elands River. The majority of this force were Australian soldiers comprising of the A Squadron NSW Citizens Bushmen, the 3rd Victorian and Queensland Imperial Bushmen, with further reinforcements provided by the 3rd Western Australian and Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen.

The siege commenced on the 4th of August 1900 and by the end of the day 1700 artillery shells had landed on the position, more than half the horses were killed and the defenders had suffered 5KIA and 27WIA. Australians who previously had no enthusiasm towards to digging trenches now went about their task with renewed vigour at every brea...

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...vailable to them daily. Against the Boers, Australian troops were inferior in numbers, weaponry, as well as military skills. Yet, the thought of retreating never occurred to the soldiers, and with this mindset and dedication, Australian Bushman and Light horseman have set the standard for all Australian troops to follow.

CONCLUSION

The Battle of Brakfontein was one of many ruthless battle in the Boer War that lasted three years. Although the majority of Australian soldiers were undertrained, ill equipped and outnumbered to fight the Boers, the Australian Bushmen fought on courageously, maintaining a cool head in the most heated battle, and were successful in their mission to the siege of the Eland River from invading Boers. The Boer War was the place where Australians first showed their mettle in battle and, ultimately the ignition point where a nation was forged.