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Battlefield
History Tours |
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Today we considered the battles around Colesberg December 1899 to February 1900.
After a grand breakfast we first visited the Concentration Camp cemetery at Norvalsport. Out in the bush, and thus away from vandals, it is in very good condition. We are all very moved when we see the long list of children under 15 buried in such a cemetery.
Next stop was the Boer War Cemeteries in Colesberg where many of the first Australians to die in combat are buried first: New South Welshman; NSW Lancer; Victorian; South Australian; Western Australian and Tasmanian. Adjacent was the Boer Cemetery where we paid our respects. A short drive to the site of the Slingersfontein Camp where the course of the inconclusive campaign was discussed. Of particular interest was the patrol led by Lieutenant Dowling of the Australian Horse described by both John and Ross.
Then to Coleskop so as to gain an understanding of what was involved in raising two 15 pounder artillery pieces to the summit, we did not climb it.
Back in town, we walked the main street, then visited the Colesberg Museum which had a great collection on the Boer War, and Colesberg history.
Lunch (to die for) was at an excellent restaurant and curio shop followed by a leisurely drive to Bloemfontein.
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© Battlefield History Tours ABN 74107857705, PO Box 201, Northmead NSW 2152, AUSTRALIA, Phone: 1300 450 436 or +61 412 399 693
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