February 27, 1881 · Natal/Transvaal Border Theater
February 27, 1881
The climactic battle of the First Boer War was fought on the slopes of Majuba Hill — a flat-topped mountain commanding the road between Natal and the Transvaal — where British General Colley had secretly occupied the summit overnight with 365 men, hoping to dominate the Boer positions below. At dawn, Boer marksmen began climbing the steep slopes in small groups, using the terrain for cover. By mid-morning they had gained the rim and poured accurate rifle fire into the surprised British troops on the exposed summit. The position collapsed with startling speed: Colley was killed, and British soldiers fled down the hillside in a rout. 92 were killed, 134 wounded, and 59 captured from the summit force. Boer casualties were 1 killed and 5 wounded.
Commanders