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In the OFS, on the border with the Transvaal, a railway town and nearby crossing point across the Vaal River.



'The little station, at the extreme north of the Orange River Colony, was the terminus of the Orange Free State railway. It is likely to be the place of great importance in time to come, as there are immense coal fields in the immediate vicinity.'

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View of the Vaal River

The Orange River Colony and the Transvaal are both represented in this river picture, near bank and far bank respectively. The floating bridge, is the one by which the Brigade of Guards crossed the river in the march to Pretoria.



The pont, Viljoen's Drift

By this pont, waggons can cross the Vaal when it is full. It is pulled by hauling on the attached cable. In the winter, when the river is lo, the drift further along is more used.



The Vaal River, looking east

A view taken near Vereeniging, Transvaal, looking up-stream. The water of this river is of a peculiar colour, which accounts for the name Vaal (meaning a sort of grey), given by the Dutch settlers.

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Lord Roberts and staff at Viljoen's Drift

Lord Roberts arrived here on Sunday, May 27th, 1900, and after a short halt entered the Transvaal the same day. At the time the photo was taken he was arranging about the re-engagement of the railway employees. May 27th will long be remembered as a historic day at Viljoen's Drift..

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Imperial Yeomanry, a halt

On the arrival of troops at the village, if a halt was to be made, the stores were soon taxed to the upmost for commodities of all sorts, and though 'Tommy' would enlarge on the nourishing qualities of biscuits supplied him, he never lost an opportunity of purchasing a loaf of soft bread.


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Armoured train at Viljoen's Drift

In this locomotive, with its bullet proof jacket and ungainly appearance, it is difficult to recognise the usually trim looking Cape engine, but the exigencies of war demand that she be clothed, for the wily de Wet is hovering around, and trains are liable to be attacked at any time. In the men in the foreground, the Regular forces, the Home and Colonial Volunteers are represented.

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