TOPIC:

I just wondered if anyone has come across a photograph of Hobkirk's Farm, Cape Colony. I have an interest in the Wiltshire Regiment who were involved in fighting here in February 1900. I also wondered if anyone can pinpoint this on Google Maps. I'd like to see where it is and what it looks or looked like.

Ian

See this website: www.battlefieldsroute.co.za/major-barrs-...lds-by-ken-gillings/

Outside Colesberg, there is a small military cemetery. We also found a memorial to the Victoria Mounted Rifles’ action at Hobkirk’s Farm, as well as the action at Slingerfontein on 15th January 1900, scene of fierce fighting between New Zealanders and the Boers under Schoeman and De la Rey. Major Barr expressed his disappointment at the fact that the graves had been dug up at these two battlefields and the remains brought to this garden of remembrance.

After a great deal of searching in the vicinity of Rensburg, we were unable to find either Slingerfontein or Hobkirk’s Farm. Mr Robertson, who had lived in the area all his life, gave us first hand knowledge of actions in the area and confirmed Major Barr’s story of Hobkirk’s Farm.

Also known as Basternek/Hobkirk’s Farm, Colesberg, Cape Colony

Is Pink Hill also Hobkirk's Farm?

I have just found a website for Pink Hill Karoo
www.pinkhill.co.za/copy-of-about

Ian

The Battle of Pink Hill, South Africa, 12 February 1900

Pink Hill, a famous action during the Second South African War, fought between Australian (and British) troops and a Boer force on 12 February 1900 some thirteen kilometres north-west of Colesberg in central Cape Colony. The engagement occurred after the Boers, realising the weakness of the column of 6,600 men under Major General R.A.P. Clements which opposed them about Colesberg, moved to drive in the British flanks and force a retreat back down the railway line towards Naauwpoort. Clements' left flank rested on a low rocky ridge known as Pink Hill, which was held by 75 men of the Victorian Mounted Rifles, 20 South Australians and 100 British regulars (50 Inniskilling Dragoons and an equal number of infantry of the Wiltshire Regiment).
Regards
Dave

I have received this response from the owner Cornel Strydom:

Hi Ian
Yes, this is Hobkirk's farm.
The farm was originally Nachtschaalsfontein (+/- 1860)
We know it as Nagtegaalsfontein. Some people started calling it Acacia.
Pink Hill is on our farm, that's why we decided to call our stone house Pink Hill Karoo.
Regards
Cornel

Here is a photograph