South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of HostilitiesCreswicke, Louis
History
South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 7 (of 8): The Guerilla War, from February 1901 to the Conclusion of Hostilities
Creswicke, Louis
South African War, 1899-1902; Transvaal (South Africa) -- History
General Barton now watched the establishment of posts eastwards over
the hill from Breedt's Nek, while Colonels Kekewich and Allenby,
having completely effected their sweeping operations, moved to
Commando Nek for supplies. But of course the dispersed Boers were
forced to hide somewhere, so, going north, they chose Zwartkopies,
whence after some skirmishing they were driven by Colonel Allenby.
Meanwhile Colonel Kekewich, moving at the same date (19th) from
Commando Nek, ferreted along the bed of the Crocodile River and
effected the capture of fourteen of the enemy together with their
horses. So vigorous were the operations of both these officers that
the Boers in the district began to feel that their days were numbered,
and that they had better surrender with a good grace. This twenty-nine
of them did at Beestekraal, where Colonel Allenby was operating, on
the 23rd, while on the 25th sixteen more (including T. Kruger, a
nephew of the ex-President) surrendered to Colonel Kekewich, who was
then at the junction of the Crocodile and Elands Rivers. As most of
the remaining raiders had now betaken themselves to the rugged and
almost inaccessible country on the north, where pursuit would have
been useless, Colonel Kekewich veered south, while Colonel Allenby
moved west, with a view to watching the west of Magaliesberg in the
direction of Rustenburg. September found them posted at points where
they might work in combination against Kemp's commando--Colonel
Allenby at Bashoek (a northern fringe of the Magaliesberg) and Colonel
Kekewich near Magato Pass.
At this date, owing to the unceasing exertions of General Barton,
Colonels Kekewich and Allenby, and Lord Basing, together with the
extension of the system of Constabulary posts, excellent results had
been obtained in the area bounded on the north by the Magaliesberg, on
the south by the Vaal, on the east by the Pretoria line, and on the
west by the Frederikstad-Breedt's Nek line of blockhouses. Scarcely a
Boer was to be seen. The raiders were forced to the extreme limits,
east and west, north and south, and against their safety in these
outskirts, further operations were soon to be directed.
TRANSVAAL, S.W.
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