TOPIC:

I have an ABO to a Lichtenburg Commando man. On his Vorm B he refers to seeing action at Marsfontein - I can find little reference to any action at such a place. Is it possible that he is referring to Magersfontein, where I know the Lichtenburg chaps to have been in action?

Hello Rory,

There was certainly something on the go there. It appears as if this place is on the road from Pretoria to Louis Trichard or in the OFS.

Here is a list of several Boers captured at Marsfontein.



Regards

" . . there is a Marsfontein about two miles north of Reddersburg."
Western Times, Thursday 12th April 1900


Also a reference to the Kimberley Light Horse going there - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/69667...archTerm=Marsfontein

Hello Rory

From History Of The War In South Africa 1899-1902 Vol 4 - Page 316



Regards

Thank you to all those who have responded with hints and suggestions. I sought input from outside the confines of the Forum as well and the consensus of opinion is that Mr Venter was referring to Magersfontein (the battle of), when he erroneously penned the word Marsfontein.

This makes perfect sense if one looks at the sequence of the battles he mentions, as well as when one considers that the entire Lichtenburg Commando (some 850 strong at the time), was present at the battle under De la Rey.

Regards

Rory