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Hi Rob D,

I have just finished reading your book “The Spioenkop Campaign” and thoroughly enjoyed it; well balanced and detailed. It has helped to fill a number of (large) gaps in my knowledge base.

I’m performing research on 2x Boer brothers from the Carolina Commando who fought at Spioenkop; both fought under Veldkornet AJ Viljoen who was wounded at Platrand. Grobler in his thesis also lists him (AJ Viljoen) as being wounded at Spioenkop on the crest line; assuming my Afrikaans translation holds up.

Eventhough both brothers fought for the duration of the war they only really list Spioenkop & Ladysmith as the major battles they fought at.

Here is the extract from one brothers Vorm B:



He mentions Spioenkop & Omtrek; do you think he is trying to be specific about his location as omtrek could mean circumference or maybe perimeter?

My second question is that in your book you mention that one of the twin peaks was also known as sugar loaf.

Do you know if the boers had other names for them too? Apologies if I missed that in your book.

Thanks again.

Regards,
Shaun

Sturgy, so pleased you have been bitten by this particular bug.
It may never leave you, I must caution...!
The whole of the Carolina Cdo were engaged on 24 Jan, probably most were in the defensive trenches on Twin Peaks or Brakfontein.
Omtrek is possibly best understood as "surroundings"
Twin Peaks were known by the Boers as Drielingkoppe ("Triplet hills" - yes there are 3 peaks) or just known as Spioenkop.
Until it got famous, hardly anyone knew the area and nobody cared to name the features.
Rob