TOPIC:

Guerilla warfare in South Africa: A train wrecked by the Boers near Greylingstad

Recently a pilot train, consisting of three trucks, with the engine behind, was blown up while crossing a culvert midway between Vaal and Greylingstad. The trucks were stopped when half way across the culvert and brought the engine to a standstill. A party of Boers, who had hidden in some kraals 400 yards from the lone, opened a heavy fire on the train, and several shots hit the engine. An armoured train which was following the pilot train brought its pom-pom and men into action. More Boers then appeared on the scene, bringing the number of the enemy up to 300. the 4.7 gun at Greylingstad also opened fire on the enemy, who uncoupled the engine and sent it at full speed back toward the armoured train. The latter, however, promptly backed, and the engine, mounting an incline was brought to a standstill without material injury. Two trucks laden with petroleum, izal, and flour, however, were totally wrecked and burnt. We had no casualties. Two Boers were seen to fall from the fire of the armoured train and shells from Greylingstad burst in their midst, knocking a few men over. Two of their horse were killed. Our illustration is from a photograph by Second Lieutenant Eric Girdwood.

The Graphic 18 May 1901