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Good Evening Everyone.......

I read this on another forum and have rec'd permission to post here by the author, Mr. N. Nutting......

For your viewing pleasure.....

Mike

South Africa 2017 – Anglo-Boer War memorial, Graaff-Reinet

Posted on February 7, 2017 by nutting

On the corner of Somerset and Donkin Streets in Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, stands a very well-executed war memorial to those who fell on the Boer side in the Second Anglo-Boer war of 1899-1902.  Created in Italy, it was unveiled in 1908 by Gen. Esaias Grobler who had commanded the Boers along the Cape border during the war.



The Second Anglo-Boer war, fought between British Empire forces on the one hand, and the two independent Boer republics of the Orange Free State and the South African Republic (“the Transvaal”) on the other, arose through Paul Kruger’s refusal of Britain’s demand that 60,000 foreigners on the Witswatersrand – the 56km ridge of gold-bearing rock near Johannesburg – be granted voting rights.

A year later, by mid-1900, the last of the Boer-held towns had fallen, although not without British losses;  guerrilla-style resistance from Boer bittereinders (a self-translating word if ever there was one) continued for another two years and was countered by the British with scorched earth tactics.  The war ended with the Treaty of Vereeniging, and an uneasy peace ensued.  In 1910, the various South African colonies and republics were amalgamated as the Union of South Africa.

Mike
That is a most impressive monument! Thank you for arranging to show it here.
Regards
Brett

I love the phase "gold bearing rock" it really does say all that needs be said!
I find it slightly strange to see that actually in Graaff Reinet, although, perhaps I should not be so surprised, it is a shame the rifle is damaged, but, still a very attractive memorial.