All Battles

Battle of Spion Kop

1900 Natal Feldschlacht

Fallen British troops in the trench on Spioenkop.

Fallen British troops in the trench on Spioenkop.

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source
Boers at Spion Kop, 1900 - Project Gutenberg eText 16462

Boers at Spion Kop, 1900 - Project Gutenberg eText 16462

Author: UnknownLicense:PD
Source
Sketch map showing the situation of the Battle of Spion Kop, 23-24 January 1900

Sketch map showing the situation of the Battle of Spion Kop, 23-24 January 1900

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source
Boer Commando at Spionkop Boer War.

Boer Commando at Spionkop Boer War.

Author: AnonymousUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source
Sketch map show British and Boer positions at the Battle of Vaal Krantz, Natal, 5-7 February 1900. Besides Vaal Krantz also are indicated from west to east Spionkop, Spearman's Hill [?], Brakfontein, Mount Alice, Potgieters drift, Swartz Kop, Mungers drift, and Doornkloof along the Tugela River.

Sketch map show British and Boer positions at the Battle of Vaal Krantz, Natal, 5-7 February 1900. Besides Vaal Krantz also are indicated from west to east Spionkop, Spearman's Hill [?], Brakfontein, Mount Alice, Potgieters drift, Swartz Kop, Mungers drift, and Doornkloof along the Tugela River.

Author: artist not identifiedLicense:PD
Source
Map of Battle of Spioen Kop by the Boer General BJ Viljoen

Map of Battle of Spioen Kop by the Boer General BJ Viljoen

Author: Piet van Breda (Cartographer)License:PD
Source
Boer War Photograph Taken by B W Caney

Boer War Photograph Taken by B W Caney

Author: Caney B WLicense:PD
Source
Artwork by Henry Marriott Paget (31 December 1856-27 March 1936) from the Wellcome Collection at https://wellcomecollection.org/works?query=%22Paget%2C%20H.%20M.%201857-1936.%22

Artwork by Henry Marriott Paget (31 December 1856-27 March 1936) from the Wellcome Collection at https://wellcomecollection.org/works?query=%22Paget%2C%20H.%20M.%201857-1936.%22

Author: Henry Marriot Paget (1857-1936)License:CC-BY-4.0
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Genl.-maj. (General Major) J. Talbot Coke.

Genl.-maj. (General Major) J. Talbot Coke.

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
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Boer War: a British officer on a battlefield demanding possession of the wounded from the Boers. Halftone, 1900, after R. M. Paxton after E. Prater.

Iconographic Collections
Keywords: Ernest Prater; R.M. Paxton; Harry Wright

Boer War: a British officer on a battlefield demanding possession of the wounded from the Boers. Halftone, 1900, after R. M. Paxton after E. Prater. Iconographic Collections Keywords: Ernest Prater; R.M. Paxton; Harry Wright

Author: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/a2/ee/8861061a520db131270ba5ddaf8e.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0015628.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-24): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/r9jf4gnr CC-BY-4.0License:CC-BY-4.0
Source
Boer War: a group of wounded war veterans at the docks in England. Halftone, c. 1900, after a photograph.

Iconographic Collections
Keywords: Miell & Ridley.

Boer War: a group of wounded war veterans at the docks in England. Halftone, c. 1900, after a photograph. Iconographic Collections Keywords: Miell & Ridley.

Author: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/b4/ad/9bc90d5962cb3d39c1d1d98ff7a3.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0015644.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-24): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/yf5w25zf CC-BY-4.0License:CC-BY-4.0
Source
Boer War: Boer soldiers tending the injured British soldiers and also robbing the dead. Process print after J. Grieg.

Iconographic Collections
Keywords: John Greig

Boer War: Boer soldiers tending the injured British soldiers and also robbing the dead. Process print after J. Grieg. Iconographic Collections Keywords: John Greig

Author: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/93/a1/552336b1ab3d294a33b3149bb102.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0015509ER.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-24): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/g34spzwz CC-BY-4.0License:CC-BY-4.0
Source
Boer War: removing the wounded after battle. Brush and wash drawing by H.M.P., 1900.

Iconographic Collections
Keywords: H. M. P.

Boer War: removing the wounded after battle. Brush and wash drawing by H.M.P., 1900. Iconographic Collections Keywords: H. M. P.

Author: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/e1/c3/516aaffc08590a1923aaba3a7226.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0015549.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-24): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/pccphq6z CC-BY-4.0License:CC-BY-4.0
Source
Boer War: sorting the dead from the wounded at Spion Kop. Process print after A. Forestier after F. Villiers.

Iconographic Collections
Keywords: Frederick Villiers; Amedée Forestier

Boer War: sorting the dead from the wounded at Spion Kop. Process print after A. Forestier after F. Villiers. Iconographic Collections Keywords: Frederick Villiers; Amedée Forestier

Author: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/obf_images/05/fd/f5d606b89172953e54fb995fa7bf.jpg Gallery: https://wellcomeimages.org/indexplus/image/V0015513EL.html Wellcome Collection gallery (2018-03-24): https://wellcomecollection.org/works/ej8mwmun CC-BY-4.0License:CC-BY-4.0
Source
Boers in action on Spioenkop, Boer War, January 1900.

Boers in action on Spioenkop, Boer War, January 1900.

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source
British dead after the battle at Spion Kop. 24th Jan. 1900

British dead after the battle at Spion Kop. 24th Jan. 1900

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source
British dead after the battle at Spion Kop. 24th Jan. 1900

British dead after the battle at Spion Kop. 24th Jan. 1900

Author: LamiotLicense:PD
Source
IdentificatieTitel(s): Engelse slachtoffers van de strijd bij Spionkop in Zuid-AfrikaObjecttype: foto albumblad Objectnummer: RP-F-F01113-NOmschrijving: Onderdeel van Fotoalbum met opnames van de Tweede Boerenoorlog (1899-1902).VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: anoniemPlaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 24-jan-1900Fysieke kenmerken: daglichtgelatinezilverdrukMateriaal: papier fotopapier karton Techniek: daglichtgelatinezilverdrukAfmetingen: passe-partout: h 151 mm × b 204 mmOnderwerpWat: horrors of war. Tweede Boerenoorlog (1899-1902)Waar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

IdentificatieTitel(s): Engelse slachtoffers van de strijd bij Spionkop in Zuid-AfrikaObjecttype: foto albumblad Objectnummer: RP-F-F01113-NOmschrijving: Onderdeel van Fotoalbum met opnames van de Tweede Boerenoorlog (1899-1902).VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: anoniemPlaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 24-jan-1900Fysieke kenmerken: daglichtgelatinezilverdrukMateriaal: papier fotopapier karton Techniek: daglichtgelatinezilverdrukAfmetingen: passe-partout: h 151 mm × b 204 mmOnderwerpWat: horrors of war. Tweede Boerenoorlog (1899-1902)Waar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

Author: RijksmuseumLicense:CC0
Source
Exploding star grenades.

Exploding star grenades.

Author: Unknown authorUnknown authorLicense:PD
Source
IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op de Tugelarivier en Mount Alice vanaf Spionkop. Tugela River and Mt. Alice (British) from Spion Kop - ground fought over for weeks - S.A. (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09098Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘204’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: mountainsriverWaar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op de Tugelarivier en Mount Alice vanaf Spionkop. Tugela River and Mt. Alice (British) from Spion Kop - ground fought over for weeks - S.A. (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09098Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘204’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: mountainsriverWaar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

Author: RijksmuseumLicense:CC0
Source
IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op de Tugelarivier en Zwartkop vanachter zandzakken op Spionkop, de plek Waar:  Redvers Buller vocht tijdens de Tweede Boerenoorlog. Scene of Buller's terrific battles - Tugela River and Zwartz Kop (British) from Spion Kop (looking southeast), S.A. (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09099Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘205’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: river. Waar. SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op de Tugelarivier en Zwartkop vanachter zandzakken op Spionkop, de plek Waar: Redvers Buller vocht tijdens de Tweede Boerenoorlog. Scene of Buller's terrific battles - Tugela River and Zwartz Kop (British) from Spion Kop (looking southeast), S.A. (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09099Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘205’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: river. Waar. SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

Author: RijksmuseumLicense:CC0
Source
IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op de zuidelijke helling van Spionkop in Natal. South Slope of Spion Kop, the bloodiest battle ground of the War, South Africa (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09095Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘201’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: (high) hillWaar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op de zuidelijke helling van Spionkop in Natal. South Slope of Spion Kop, the bloodiest battle ground of the War, South Africa (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09095Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘201’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: (high) hillWaar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

Author: RijksmuseumLicense:CC0
Source
IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op een begraafplaats op Spionkop in Natal. The "long" trench Grave on Spion Kop, the resting place of the heroes who fell there, S.A. (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09097Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘203’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: grave, tomb(high) hillWaar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

IdentificatieTitel(s): Gezicht op een begraafplaats op Spionkop in Natal. The "long" trench Grave on Spion Kop, the resting place of the heroes who fell there, S.A. (titel op object)Objecttype: stereofoto Objectnummer: RP-F-F09097Opschriften / Merken: naam, recto, gedrukt: ‘Works and Studios Sun Sculpture trade mark Arlington N.J. Littleton N.H. Washington D.C.’nummer, recto, gedrukt: ‘203’VervaardigingVervaardiger: fotograaf: Underwood and Underwood (vermeld op object)Plaats vervaardiging: SpionkopDatering: 1901Materiaal: fotopapier karton Techniek: albuminedrukAfmetingen: secundaire drager: h 88 mm × b 178 mmOnderwerpWat: grave, tomb(high) hillWaar: SpionkopVerwerving en rechtenVerwerving: overdracht van beheer 1994Copyright: Publiek domein

Author: RijksmuseumLicense:CC0
Source

Historical Overview

The Battle of Spion Kop was a military engagement between British forces and two Boer Republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, during the campaign by the British to relieve the besieged city Ladysmith during the initial months of the Second Boer War. The battle was fought 23–24 January 1900 on the hilltop of Spioen Kop(a), about 38 km (24 mi) west-southwest of Ladysmith and resulted in a Boer victory.

Quick Facts

Outcome:Decisive Boer victory.

Boer Republics

  • Commander: Louis Botha
  • Strength: ca. 6.000
  • Casualties: ca. 350

Kingdom of Great Britain

  • Commander: Charles Warren
  • Strength: ca. 11.000
  • Casualties: ca. 1.500

Strategic Context

Strategic hill for overseeing the route to Ladysmith.

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Historical Locations

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