The Battle of Majuba 1881 - Defeat of General Sir George Pomeroy Colley - First Boer War
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Publicado 2023-07-20
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From their force of 400 men, the British lost 92 killed (including their commanding general), 134 wounded and 59 captured - a 70% casualty figure.
In comparison their Boer opponents lost just 2 men killed and 4 wounded.
It would result in the Boers regaining their independence from Britain: the first
time since the American colonists that part of the British empire had successfully broken free.
It is a story of folly, mixed with ego and good dose of bravery too.
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The Battle of Majuba was the final bloody encounter in what has been termed the first Boer (or Anglo Boer) war, fought in 1881.
A force of British redcoats commanded by general George Pomeroy Colley successfully took the summit of Majuba Hill in a night time assault.
His 400-strong force consisted of 3 companies of the 92nd Regiment (Gordon Highlanders), 2 companies of the 58th Regiment of Foot (later the Northamptonshire’s) and 50 members of the naval Brigade from HMS Dido.
The British had failed to entrench their positions, not had they taken artillery with them.
The Boer counter attack, commanded by Piet Joubert, reached the summit of Majuba and drove the British off.
In the process General Colley was killed, along with 91 others.
Two British officers captured by the Boers would go on to have impressive careers in the British Army.
Ian Hamilton would rise to the rank of general and would command the allied landings at Gallipoli during World War 1.
Hector MacDonald, would rise all the way from the ranks to also become a general. He was to play key roles at the battle of Omdurman and during the second Anglo Boer War when he commanded the Highland Brigade.
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Chapters
0:00 Battle of Majuba Intro
0:57 The Boer Republics
2:43 General George Colley
3:56 Battle of Laing’s Nek
6:00 Majuba
7:01 British units
8:22 British Assault
9:23 British Success
11:21 Battle of Majuba
13:03 Joseph Farmer VC
14:41 British Flee
15:45 Casualties
16:45 Boers Win Independence
18:32 The History Chap
#battleofmajuba #firstboerwar #britishempire
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Sources used to produce this video include:
National Army Museum
"The Scramble for Africa” - Thomas Packenham
“The First Boer War” - John Laband
“A Study in Attack. Majuba 27 Feb 1881” - G Tylden
Wikimedia Commons
Wikipedia
British battles.com
The Blue jackets.co.uk
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My name is Chris Green (aka The History Chap) and I love to share stories from British history. Not just because they are interesting but because, good or bad, they have shaped the world we live in today.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or Youtube animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree in Medieval & Modern History from the University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Todos los comentarios (21)
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Boer here. As a matter of interest, Majuba was bald in those days, the silver wattle forest appeared relatively recently. Both sides could thus not conceal themselves as one might suspect from the photos of modern Majuba. Great channel, sir.
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Sounds like an episode on the Bronson Cemetery would be fascinating.
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You and Dr. Mark Felton are without a doubt the finest British historians on YT.
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I for one would be interested in the cemetery. Every time I hear of a lance corporal in Africa in the 1880s I think of Jones the Butcher of Walmington on sea
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Simply ripping! Bloody marvelous! :) Yes, you have once again made British history a most fascinating subject, in your usual inimitable fashion, and I hope you make many more of these wonderful videos.
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Indeed, Chris Green is one fine storyteller.
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A relative of mine fought in this battle. That evening he received news that his daughter had been born back in England. He named her Majuba.
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The Cemetary Series would be utterly fascinating and a great way to introduce the Heroes.
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Very well presented as usual, It's nice that your historical lectured begin to fit together like a large puzzle of the British Empire, with familiar name popping up all over the place,and your helpful links to guide us to another story. Look forward to the next one.
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Definitely yes to the cemetery video!!!
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Great story! Awesome narrative style! One of my ancestors went over to fight for the Boers. He brought back a 7mm cartridge with a headstamp bearing an 1896 date. I still have it!
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Family lore from the South African side say my long lost cousin, Joost Heystek was the first Boer up the hill that day. May not be true, but a good story. Thanks for this episode!
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Again a wonderfull compelling story, thanks Chris!
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Thanks Chris another spot on account !
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Thank you so much Chris
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Another great great video. The cemetery talk sounds very interesting
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Glad to see this channel has gained so many new subscribers over the past year or so. For a long time it was a hidden gem; now it's just a gem. Though I think it still deserves far more subs. No other channel covers this era of British history better!
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Another day, another banger! Great Video
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Another excellent summary.
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I really appreciate the fact that you always include the date in the titles!
