21 JANUARY 1902 - TREURFONTEIN

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“It happened that a party of Boers had been reported at Treurfontein, some twenty miles to the south-east (of Lichtenburg).

 

On January 21st Lieut-Colonel K. Chesney was despatched to engage them with 200 men. But the supposed small band proved to be a strong commando, under General Celliers, who, after demolishing Chesney’s advance-guard squadron, proceeded to outflank and hustle the rest back towards Lichtenburg. 

Within six miles of the town the detachment, which had lost more than a third of its strength, was fortunately met by Lord Methuen, who had heard of the affair, sallied out to the rescue with 500 men and three guns.” 

Official History, Grant p406-7. WO100/372 (SA Surrenders) adds an interesting observation: “The Yeomanry appear to have lost all cohesion, and retired in a disorganized state through the British South African Police”. It also notes British losses as 10 men killed and 25 wounded.