30 MAY 1902 - BUFFELSDOORN

[archie777]

As the war was coming to an end, Lord Kitchener moved part of “A” Division, South African Constabulary from Grenfell’s column back to their former area of operations in the Gatsrand to clear that district while the peace talks continued. 

On May 30, 1902, 250 men from “A” Division, including 16/A and 18/A Troops, were in action under Captain Fowler near Buffelsdoorn in the Gatsrand.

 

After coming on a fresh spoor, the advance guard came under fire from some kopjes around a homestead at Deelkraal. Fowler attempted to surround the place, but the two wings of the encircling force mistook each other for the enemy.

 

While the two wings exchanged fire, the Boers got through the cordon and slipped away.

 

Trooper Edwin Woods was killed in the action. Lieutenant Ernest Tredennick and Trooper Percy Devereaux were mortally wounded.

 

Both died at Buffelsdoorn the following day, the day the war ended.
“No Colours, No Drums”, Jim Wallace p180.

Edited June 6 by archie777