TOPIC:

The battle at Paardeberg was an important event in the Boer which lead to the capture of Piet Cronje and his men after a prolonged siege on the Boer position on the banks of the Modder River.

The events at Paardeberg are extensively covered in work on the War, for example Conan Doyle's chapter or the Times History chapter

Where Cronje made his last stand: The death trap at Paardeberg

Our illustration which is from a photograph by our Special Photographer, Reinhold Thiele, shows the country in which Cronje made his final struggle. In the centre winds the bed of the Modder River.



Source: The Graphic, 7 April 1900

Boer trenches at Paardeberg

In Cronje's laager at Paardeberg the whole river bank on both sides was honeycombed with trenches. Such trenches were never seen before. They were really underground dwellings, and perfectly secure, unless a shell is dropped into the opening from above. Our photograph by our Special Photographer, Reinhold Thiele.



Source: The Graphic, 7 April 1900

General Cronje

Our Special Photographer, Reinhold Thiele, obtained permission to take this photograph of General Cronje in company with Captain Watermeyer, the officer who has charge of him.



Source: The Graphic, 7 April 1900

After the battle of Paardeberg: Boer prisoners waiting removal to the coast

The four thousand prisoners taken when General Cronje surrendered at Paardeberg were divided into commandos, after being brought in, and sat about in groups talking. The bulk of them seemed more pleased than distressed at the surrender. Photograph by Reinhold Thiele.



Source: The Graphic, 7 April 1900

After Paardeberg: Bringing in the spoils of war

After the surrender of Cronje the military authorities took possession of the stores and then the men were allowed to loot what was left. The stores were brought across the river in ox waggons drawn by long teams of oxen. Our illustration is from a photograph by Reinhold Thiele.



Source: The Graphic, 7 April 1900