13 MAY 1900 - MARITZANI

[archie777]

The Imperial Light Horse was part of the Southern Column under Col Mahon entrusted with the task to relieve the besieged garrison at Mafeking. On 13 May they formed the advance and flank guard and mid-afternoon the ILH .scouts reported a large body of Boers that seemed determined to head off and attack the column.

 

While moving through thick bush near the Maritzani River, the attack by Commandant Liebenberg and the Potchefstroom Commando materialised. A serious engagement, lasting some 45 minutes, ensued. When the column’s gunners found the enemy with their shrapnel, the Boers withdrew, but desultory firing still 
went on till after dark.

 

The ILH suffered the bulk of the casualties, with 7 killed and 14 wounded.