TOPIC:

A drift across the Tugela River, Potgieter's is some 18 miles west of Colenso. In January 1900 Buller used the drift during his attack on Spion Kop.


Conan Doyle said Potgieter's was important to Buller: "The previous attempt had been upon the line immediately to the west of Spion Kop. If, however, one were to follow to the east of Spion Kop, one would come upon a high mountain called Doornkloof. Between these two peaks, there lies a low ridge, called Brakfontein, and a small detached hill named Vaalkranz. Buller's idea was that if he could seize this small Vaalkranz, it would enable him to avoid the high ground altogether and pass his troops through on to the plateau beyond. He still held the Ford at Potgieter's and commanded the country beyond with heavy guns on Mount Alice and at Swartz Kop, so that he could pass troops over at his will. He would make a noisy demonstration against Brakfontein, then suddenly seize Vaalkranz, and so, as he hoped, hold the outer door which opened on to the passage to Ladysmith."

The fist British troops north of the Tugela during the relief of Ladysmith forded to Potgieter's.