Today in History

1902 End of the battle of Langverwacht Hill

The South African War of 1899-1902, often called the Boer War (sometimes the Second Boer War), was the first overseas conflict to involve New Zealand troops. Fought between the British Empire and the Boer South African Republic (Transvaal) and its Orange Free State ally, it was the culmination of longstanding tensions in southern Africa. Bound to the 'Mother country' by the 'crimson tie' of Empire, New Zealand sent nearly 6500 volunteers and 8000 horses to South Africa. In all, 71 members of the contingents were killed in action or died of wounds; 26 were accidentally killed, and 133 died of disease (more than half from typhoid fever).

At Langverwacht Hill, near the Orange River, a Boer force broke through a British cordon at a point on the line held by New Zealand’s 7th Contingent. The New Zealand line consisted of small posts of five or six men in shallow trenches or 'sangars'. A small group of Boers drove a herd of cattle against the wire entanglements connecting the British blockhouses and used this distraction to overwhelm one of the New Zealand posts. They then advanced up the hill, destroying a number of other New Zealand-held posts. Ferocious close-quarter fighting ensued. The Boers succeeded in opening up a gap through which most of their force escaped. The New Zealand casualties were high: 24 killed and 41 wounded, out of a total of 80 men.

The 1 March 1902 issue of The Star newspaper, under the heading of ‘The Gallant Seventh’, acknowledged ‘a feeling of general sadness’. But it went on to add that ‘we can't make cakes without breaking eggs. After all, the same number might soon have filtered away, one by one, the victims of enteric. These have at least had a chance to leave a glorious name, and they have done it’.

Despite the setback at Langverwacht, the New Zealanders were reported to have 'displayed great gallantry and resolution’. Throughout the war the New Zealand contingents were highly regarded. The Times History of the War in South Africa concluded that after they had gained some experience, they were 'on average the best mounted troops in South Africa'.

 A tight corner, a New Zealander c.1900 (detail)

1870 Last detachment of Imperial forces leaves New Zealand

The final detachment of the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment departs New Zealand, leaving the Armed Constabulary (formed in 1867) responsible for New Zealand's internal defence.