TOPIC:

I am trying to recall who destroyed the railway bridge at Colenso, and when.
I can't remember if it was the British or the Boers, but obviously it would have been after the last train got out of Ladysmith at the end of October 1899.
Any help gratefully received!
Rob

Rob D
Being interested in the RPR, etc., some time ago I made a note that the Colenso Railway bridge had been destroyed by Gen. Joubert prior to the battle. I did not record the date other than note the date of the battle.
Regards
IL.

Rob.....

I have seen this (2nd) picture before where it stated "Bridge Destroyed by Boers" but it did not tell where......

Mike

Rob
24th November 1899 rings a bell regarding Jouberts dynamiting of the railway bridge.
I think it was on the same day Dundonald made his recce of the Boer positions. The road bridge was left intact if my memory serves me correctly.


Dave......

Thanks, fellas, that's splendid info from you all!
Rob

In the first week of December 1899 newspapers across the British Isles reported that Colenso Railway Bridge had been blown up. They all blame it on the Boers with the name Joubert getting several mentions.

The first reports are in papers published on the 2nd December 1899 and these are based on a Times telegram sent from Frere on the night of Tuesday 28th November 1899. Another telegram was sent from Frere at 4.55 pm Tuesday 28th November 1899 which does not mention the bridge having been blown up.

Colenso Railway Bridge first gets mentions in the newspapers in early November 1899 when concern was expressed about it being a likely target.