Battle of Tweefontein (1901) - Tweefontein, Free State

The Battle of Tweefontein (Groenkop) was a significant engagement during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) fought on 8 August 1900. The battle took place near the town of Kestell, located in the Free State province of South Africa.

A memorial monument has been erected on the top of Groenkop Situated between Bethlehem and Kestell (40 km from Bethlehem), remembering those who died during the battle on 25 December 1901.

Major Williams with 550 men, most of them from the 11th Battalion, Imperial Yeomanry, a 15-pounder gun and a pom-pom were positioned at the top of the 61m high Groenkop. And as one British prisoner of war stated after, some of their Boer captors were so short on clothing that they were wearing womens clothing. But despite their attire, the Boers defeated the British soldiers after climbing Groenkop barefoot at 02:00 on Christmas morning 1901. The Boers fired shots down into the tents of the sleeping British soldiers camped at the foot of the hill, reigning down a massacre which lasted for 40 minutes before the British surrendered.

Overview of the Battle

1. Context and Combatants: The Battle of Tweefontein was part of the larger campaign in the Wepener area, where British forces were attempting to subdue Boer resistance. The Boers, under the command of General Christiaan de Wet, engaged with British troops. The battle was notable for its intense fighting and strategic importance, as it was part of the British effort to control key areas of the Free State.

2. The Battle: The battle unfolded in the area around Groenkop Hill, with both sides employing artillery and infantry. The Boers, utilizing their knowledge of the terrain, were able to put up a strong resistance against the British forces. The British, commanded by Major General Sir John French, faced considerable difficulty in capturing the hill and achieving their objectives.

3. Outcome and Impact: The battle resulted in a tactical victory for the Boer forces, who successfully defended their positions against the British advance. The outcome of the Battle of Tweefontein contributed to the prolonged nature of the conflict in the region, demonstrating the determination and resilience of the Boer forces. It was a reminder of the difficulties faced by the British in their efforts to subdue the Boer Republics during the war.

Historical Significance

Strategic Importance: The battle highlighted the strategic significance of controlling key positions in the Free State and the challenges faced by both sides in the conflict.
Military Tactics: It showcased the effectiveness of Boer guerrilla tactics and their ability to leverage local knowledge against a larger, better-equipped enemy force.
Cultural Memory: The Battle of Tweefontein, like many engagements of the Anglo-Boer War, is remembered for its impact on the local communities and its place in South Africa's complex history.

For historical enthusiasts and those interested in South Africa's military history, the Battle of Tweefontein represents a crucial episode in the Second Anglo-Boer War, reflecting the broader struggle for control and the enduring legacy of the conflict.

Please Note: To get to Groenkop - a few kms west of Kestell on the N5 is a signposted good dirt road. The main access route up the hill is the road used by Telkom to service their installation, it is a bit tricky to find as it winds between farm buildings. A farmer should be asked to open his gate for you (a 4x4 would be preferable). The farmer and his family are trying to keep the vandals out but still let the site be open to those who are interested. Do your research before you go as the only information at the summit are the names on the memorial.

Guided tours available with Battle Field Tours ZA.