28/29 NOVEMBER 1899 - MODDER RIVER / TWEE RIVIEREN

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After the battle of Graspan/ Enslin, Veg-Gen J H de la Rey established his next defensive position at the confluence of the Riet and Modder Rivers. The British force marching north under Lt-Gen Lord Methuen to relieve Kimberley started to attack on the morning of 28 November 1899.

 

The 1st Infantry (Guards) brigade under Lt-Gen Sir H E Colvile attacked the left flank of the Boers but was held all day. Maj-Gen R Pole-Carew’s 9th Infantry brigade advanced along the line of rail and also came under 
heavy fire, but two companies of the 1st The Royal North Lancashire regiment managed to cross the Riet River to Rosmead. This village was evacuated and more troops crossed the river. Pole-Carew’s attempts to advance on Modder River Station, were, however, thwarted at Fraser’s Farm and he consolidated that night at Rosmead. 

 

BATTLE OF MODDER RIVER
CONTEMPORARY STYLIZED ILLUSTRATION IN BRITISH PRESS
Advancing the following morning, the British found that Boer forces had evacuated their positions during the 
night. The British had lost 70 and 413 wounded whilst Boer losses are estimated at some 60 killed. Although the battle is described as that of Modder River, the action, in fact, took place along the Riet River; to Afrikaans historians it is the battle of Tweeriviere. After the battle Methuen halted at the Modder River to repair the 
bridge and bring up supplies; a temporary bridge was finished by 10 December.

 

The losses of the 1st Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders at Modder River were greater than any of the other battalions engaged: 20 men killed or died of wounds and 2 0fficers and 76 men wounded.

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