TOPIC:

Hello all,

I am a little bit confused about the plateau of Spionkop.
Just read:

quote
As dawn broke, the British discovered that they held only the smaller and lower part of the hilltop of Spion Kopunquote

What was the right place then on the top to entrench ?
I also thought Spionkop was the highest hill of all. So why caused this hill these problems for the British ?

Regards,

Ronald

Hello Ronald

The summit of Spion Kop is not flat, from the British side it slopes upwards to a false crest then flattens out; this slope is the smaller portion of the summit. The British occupied the slope and fortified this line, when the mists cleared they saw the great expanse in front leading to the sides from which the Boers would come. The Boers were able to get to the summit unmolested and using the superior natural cover engage the British at close range.

Just to the east of Spion Kop is Aloe Knoll, which is as high or slightly higher than Spion Kop. From here Boer guns and rifles enfiladed the British eastern trenches to deadly effect.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Meurig