2012 marks the 110th anniversary of the Battle at Langverwacht in the Free State

The monument to New Zealanders at Langverwacht

In February 1902, late in the South African (Anglo-Boer) War, at Langverwacht (also known as Bothasberg), New Zealanders were at the centre of a Boer attempt to break through the British line.   In the struggle on the night of 23/24 February, 23 members of the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Regiment were killed and 40 were wounded.  This was the highest toll for New Zealand of any single encounter during the conflict.

A monument to those who perished is on private land, close to a public road, at GPS coordinates S:27º41.530’ E:29º07.244', about 3 hours’ drive from Pretoria, via the N3 and R34/R103.

As in past years, representatives of the High Commission, lead by Acting High Commissioner, Ms Georgina Roberts, will make a commemorative visit to the memorial site on Sunday 19 February from approximately 12.30 pm.  New Zealanders are invited to join High Commission staff there for a BYO picnic under the large shade tree at the site.

Langverwacht is located close to the town of Vrede. For accommodation options nearby please visit: www.grasslandsmeander.co.za

For more information about the battle at Langverwacht and New Zealand involvement in the South African (Anglo-Boer) War please go to: www.nzembassy.com/south-africa/relationship-between-new-zealand-and-south-africa/new-zealand-and-south-africa/new-zeal