Lord Methuen in the Western Transvaal found it very difficult to subdue the Boers in the Western Transvaal. His forces were limited in number and he was up against some of the very best Boer leaders, in particular, General de la Rey. In his drive towards Klerksdorp Methuen was held up at a narrow pass where the road led to the village of Hartebeestfontein. Among his troops were Australian Bushmen contingents from most of the Australian colonies, with the exception of the West Australians and Queenslanders. The position was a formidable one and cost the Australians 13 casualties, 10 of these being Victorians. Among those wounded was the commander of the Victorians, Colonel Nicholas Kelly.
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Robin Droogleever 2010
