THE BATTLE OF SCHUINSHOOGTE (INGOGO RIVER) - 8 FEBRUARY 1881

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After the heavy set back at Laingsnek Colley withdrew his force to Mount Prospect to lick his wounds.

 

With so many wounded it was vital that these were taken back to Natal for medical care.

 

On 8 February several ambulances left for Newcastle with Colley mounting a strong escort to set them off on the most hazardous part of their journey.

 

Not surprisingly the leaders of the Boer fighters were cock-a-hoop and when Colley’s force reached the high plateau known as Schuinshoogte they initiated an attack.

 

Once again the British were no match for the Boers and during the ensuing fight which lasted throughout the afternoon they inflicted further losses of more than 140 killed and wounded on the already depleted British force. Nineteen days later they would achieve their real triumph.