Welcome to the War Museum

Visit Our Online Shop!

Our products include merchandise, books and DVDs.
bwm bookstore image
Home page about the war museum

About the War Museum

One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly.

The War Museum in Bloemfontein provides an understanding of the background against which the Anglo-Boer War took place through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibitions. The course and development of the war unfolds in front of your eyes as you progress through the museum. You are also afforded a glimpse into the life and suffering endured in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps.

We are immensely proud of this historical landmark in South Africa, and urge everyone who wants to understand this part of South African history, to pay us a visit.

Placeholder

Sol Plaatje Virtual Tour

The Museum is proud to share this Virtual Tour of the Sol Plaatje Hall. This is the start of a long-term project to create a complete virtual tour of the Museum. The project will proceed in stages, with the Sol Plaatje Virtual Tour as Stage 1.

Document & Photo Archive

The War Museum strives to make its unique collection digitally available to the general public as well as for academic and commercial purposes. This service is provided at a predetermined fee to fund the conservation of the original items as well as for future digitization projects. Sign in and register to explore our document & photo archives.

Fee Structure

View the fee structure – click here

Want to donate to the museum?

Donating to the museum would insure that we keep on growing and doing what we do, in the best way possible. By clicking “Donate”, you will be taken to our contact page where our banking details are displayed. Your donation is extremely appreciated.

Latest Publications

The Wilted Flower Series: A Petal falls through time
Die Oorlogsmuseum van die Boererepublieke 1931-2008
2009-2020: The War Museum of the Boer Republics
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
Menseregte Dag 21 Maart 2024
Museum ure: 09:00 - 17:00
Bring die familie vir n dag van geskiedenis en natuur!  

Human Rights Day 21 March 2024
Museum Hours: 09:00-17:00
Bring the family for a day of history and nature!
Die Slag van Reddersburg:

Title: Tile tableau
Description: Tile tableau panel depicting the Battle of Reddersburg, 3-4 April 1900
Medium:    Painted and glazed porcelain tiles
Measurements:  2,17 x 1,70 m
Date:    c. 1899-1902
Style: Art Nouveau 
Accession number: 05472/00008
Date received: January 1980
Donor:  Department of Defence 

THE BATTLE OF REDDERSBURG 
3 – 4 APRIL 1900

After the British occupation of Bloemfontein (13 March 1900) the Boer leaders decided on 20 March 1900 at Kroonstad to implement guerrilla tactics. Their aim was to paralyse the British offensive by disrupting their lines of communication and to attack them repeatedly and unexpectedly with small mobile commandos and to cause as much damage as possible. Gen. C.R. de Wet achieved the first success of the guerrilla war on 31 March 1900 with his brilliant surprise attack on a British force at Sannaspos. On 3 April he surprised Captain W.J. McWhinnie with a force of 600 men of the Royal Irish Rifles and Northumberland Fusiliers en route from Dewetsdorp to Reddersburg at Mostertshoek, 6 km north-east of Reddersburg. The British soldiers who had entrenched themselves in a rocky ridge managed to maintain their position until the evening. At dawn De Wet, who had received reinforcements during the night and who now had approximately 800-1000 men and 3 guns at his disposal, rejoined battle. The British force, who did not have any guns, and who were completely surrounded by the Boers, surrendered at 11h00. The British losses amounted to 10 dead, 35 wounded and 546 prisoners-of-war. On Boer side one burgher was killed and six were wounded.

Museum YouTube Channel