TOPIC:

Because of his interest in the Imperial Light Infantry, I sent Frank the photos below of the ILI monument on Spioenkop, and he suggested that they should be on the forum as well. I have added photos of the medals of two men, who are likely to have been on Spioenkop on the day of the battle.

The story of the ILI is told in the 'units' section of this site.

Brett

Superb images Brett,
How old are they and does this particular monument still look as good?
Kind regards Frank

Frank

The photographs on Spioenkop were taken about four or five years ago. This is one of the best preserved battlefields in Natal and its comparative isolation saves it from the vandals that do most of the damage in this province. A supporter of the Boers did take exception to the account of the battle on one of the information boards and made his opinion known on that board.

I was told recently that the access road to the top of the hill is inadequately maintained, so a sturdy vehicle is now needed to negotiate it.

Regards
Brett

Is Mrs H's VW not up to getting you up there then?

Frank

My wife has a new car that might once have conquered Spioenkop. However, it is a miniature Korean make that would get lost in the main road potholes long before it got anywhere near Spioenkop. My 15-year old car is barely capable of reaching the nearby shopping centre, so battlefield excursions are out of the question.

Regards
Brett

Hi Brett & others

Thanks for the excellent photos of the ILI Monument.

Hirst's name appears on the "names" tablet, right hand column, 3rd from top.

Henk