11/12 JUNE 1900 - DIAMOND HILL / DONKERHOEK

[archie777]

After receiving Botha’s negative reply to his offer to negotiate, Roberts attacked Botha’s new position at Donkerhoek on 11 June where Botha had formed a line from south of Donkerhoek, north-eastwards to Doringfontein along the beginning of the Magaliesberg.

 

The Boers were well protected by the sandstone ridge while the British were forced to advance over open veld. The battle was concentrated on the road to the east and went on throughout the day. To the north [Kameelfontein] De la Rey was engaged with Gen. French’s cavalry.

 

Night set in and Roberts returned to Pretoria without much to show for the day. The fighting continued from 03h00 on 12 June. The British under Pole-Carew waited for Inigo Jones’ guns to arrive while Botha fights them from the crest of the hill. At 15h00 the British forces took the ridge but could not continue over the crest before dark set in.

 

To the north De la Rey nearly encircled French, but Botha could not supply him any aid. British numbers were once more difficult to repulse and during the night of the 12th the Boers withdraw to the east.

 

The two days had come to good use in getting the ZAR government away from Pretoria and to make further plans. Botha’s force also regained much of its pride and the decision was that the war will continue, albeit by smaller groups.

Edited May 31 by archie777