The Battle of Majuba 1881 - Defeat of General Sir George Pomeroy Colley - First Boer War
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2024
- The Battle of Majuba, fought in South Africa on the 27th February 1881 was one of the British Army’s most humiliating defeats.
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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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/ thehistorychap
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 UA-cam 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.
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.
Thanks for sharing that local info. Salute to the Boers.
Never should have fought the Boers.
In SA now?
Been trying to find the movie about the movie with subtitles once I learned about it from Ian knight around 2007. It would be a great addition to Zulu and Zulus Dawn.
@@mikefisher2673 It's called ''Majuba - heuwel van duiwe'' and it's here on yt but looking at it briefly now it doesn't have English subtitles, and most of it is in Afrikaans except where the British are talking.
Sounds like an episode on the Bronson Cemetery would be fascinating.
I will add Brompton Cemetery to my list.
Please do!
"Bronson Cemetary"! 😂
You and Dr. Mark Felton are without a doubt the finest British historians on YT.
I say, thehistorysquad isn't bad, either....
i truly prefer history chap, he has a much more empathy.
Very kind of you. Unlike Mark, I am a mere BA in History.
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.
Thanks for your support. Glad you enjoy my videos.
I do agree 100%, Chris is in a league of his own! Incidentally, I love the expression "bloody marvellous"! (LOL). BTW, there is also a wonderful Australian version: "bloody ripper". Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina
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!
Thanks for sharing about your family and the cartridge.
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
Have you seen my video about Lance Corporal Jones?ua-cam.com/video/WL_F3E973bU/v-deo.html
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.
I do like linking the names and events.
Thanks Chris another spot on account !
Glad you enjoyed it.
Again a wonderfull compelling story, thanks Chris!
My pleasure. Thanks for watching.
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!
It's a good family story :)
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!
Very kind of you. Thanks for your ongoing support.
Another great great video. The cemetery talk sounds very interesting
Thanks for watching
Cool video. I finally remembered that i recommend this in your Michael Caine video. Glad you finally covered it. Thanks
My pleasure. I do take notice of suggestions
Another excellent summary.
Thank you. Plenty more on the way.
Another day, another banger! Great Video
Many thanks. Have a great weekend.
Fine video and I'm very happy to see your subscriber base growing as we all knew it properly should. 1 million within a year is not an unreasonable expectation as growth is exponential in the early phases. To your continued success Mr Green. Cheers!
Thanks for all of your support.
I really appreciate the fact that you always include the date in the titles!
Gald it helps.
Thank you so much Chris
My pleasure. Thanks for your support.
Definitely yes to the cemetery video!!!
Thanks for the endorsement.
Another great video indeed.
Thank you for taking the time to watch it.
Excellent production again old chap, pity it’s a subject that Saffers never tire of reminding us about!
I bet they do!
Is there nation out there that can resist a good pissing contest?😂
My dear Sir, thank you once again for creating another brilliant video lecture on the subject. Narrative spot on, description of battle accurate, and the politics and diplomacy involved was a bit complicated. And is usual The British Junior Officer Corp brimming with valor. Bravo! Oh least I forget, " Sir more please".
Plenty more on the way. Keep well!
Yeah! I’d love an episode on those interned in the cemetery!! By the way, I loved this episode! Very informative, and entertaining. I love the way you narrate your episodes!
Thanks so much for watching and for your kind feedback. Much appreciated.
@@TheHistoryChap Me too. Did it not also appear in a Sherlock Holmes film?
Brilliant stuff 👍 very good program
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Please do subscribe to my channel here on UA-cam so you don’t miss future videos.
Excellent 👍 thanks 👏👏
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Thanks again for another brilliant telling. I would love to hear about Brompton cemetery, when you can find the time, Thanks again.
Can't believe my other half will consider it an exciting day out in London :)
Good vid mate!!!
I have made quite a few. ua-cam.com/play/PL85DK8Dj71PI_qG2BbaQZl9B3F_mruVCe.html
Great video as usual. If he had survived I imagine Colley's career and reputation would have been in tatters. All those wasted lives to feed someone's ego. I'd love to hear about Brompton cemetery. Thanks for posting.
Wolseley's Ashanti Ring weren't very good when left in solitary command.
MUST HAVE BEEN KIN TO that other wonderful english WW2 general Monty of marketgarden fame, LOL
Indeed, Chris Green is one fine storyteller.
Very kind of you
What a sad story! A general's incompetence mixed with individual heroism that still resulted in a disastrous defeat. I really doubt that dragging those guns up the mountain would have been that hard for the navy contingent, they had a reputation for being resolute and tough when it came to doing the near impossible.
Let's not forget the bravery and skill of the Boer fighters too.
I always love your history lessons.
Thank you
Most excellent video Chris! I enjoy your flare for storytelling. Concise as always.
Have you covered General Wolfe? I have watched many of your videos on your channel and haven't found anything on Wolfe, but maybe i haven't dug deep enough. If it's there, I apologize, would you post the link for me? Thanks Chris. 😊
I will add General Wolfe to my list...which is getting bigger & bigger!
Outstanding
Very kind of you.
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.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing
Excellent sir!
Thank you.
Brilliant 👍
Thanks. Please sign up for my newsletter at www.thehistorychap.com
Been watching alot of this lately ! A world war 1 series covering their african campaign by you would be awesome mate ! Keep it up
Strangely enough WW1 away from the Western Front is on the cards.
@@TheHistoryChap Exellent i just read your message on another vid telling me to see this one 😂 sorry im abit slow with this tech lol
Great again
Very kind of you. Thanks for watching.
I wonder what would have happened if they launched a surprise bayonet charge at night on the boer camp
Could have been interesting.
Another excellent history lesson. Looking forward to your talk on Aden. I expect you will some day soon enjoy the same success of your fellow colleague, Mark Felton. For a brilliantly written personal account the 2nd Boer War you should try getting hold of Commando by Denys Reitz. Lekker slaap
Very kind to compare he to Mark Felton. I am aware of Reitz' s book and have read exerts but not the whole thing.
"The day was just breaking over the jagged hills...the landing of the lads from the south was in full swing...we could see boatloads making for the land, swarms trying to straighten themselves out along the shore. God, one would think cannot see them at all, or he would put a stop to this sort of panorama altogether." Ian Hamilton April 25th, 1915.
Thanks for sharing that quote.
Another gripping tale of the buccaneering spirit of the British Empire...which fell flat on its face! Keep on telling them, Chris!
It's amazing the British Empire did so well based upon some of the characters.
I wonder if Wolseley or Roberts would have been able to win the First Boer War. I can’t see them making the mistake of not bringing artillery to the top of Majuba.
You would think not.
I am a very distant relative of John Joseph farmer. We have his picture on a frame in our living room, we have also seen his VC.
Wow, that's pretty impressive. Thanks for sharing.
“Met God En De Mauser” as the Boers put it!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
A story well told.
Thank you very much
would love to hear more about Brompton cemetery, or any other with famous residents
The name-call is fascinating.
One of my ancestors (who had fought at the relief of Lucknow) was for a while the commissioner of Waterberg and was imprisoned by the Boers in 1880 who then sold all his possessions at auction. He died 8 years later while staying with cousins in England.
fascinating. Thanks for sharing.
Would be interesting with a serie on British generals who fell in battle....
A heck of a lot of them. Great idea!
I believe a story on the Bromptom Cemetery would be great !
Thanks. Will add it to my list.
Yes that bayonet charge could have made all the difference, better to go down fighting rather than retreating. Truth is we played them false & got what we deserved. The boores being so numerous we should have made some accommodation to bring them closer, but as you said egos were at stake,a disaster for British forces that day for sure.
Thanks for taking the time to post.
The Cemetary Series would be utterly fascinating and a great way to introduce the Heroes.
I will add to my list
Would love to hear more about that graveyard
Looks like I'm off for a day out in London
I see Hector McDonell slipped his way in here. I remember you mentioned he was in this war bur here he is!
Have you seen my video about him? ua-cam.com/video/Sx178vz8p7U/v-deo.html
He also gets a mention in my story about the Battle of Omdurman too:
ua-cam.com/video/P8vE-f869WE/v-deo.html
Thanks for your excellent articles. Colley completely underestimated his foe several times and then he finally became the master of his own demise where he saw his arrogant backside at Majuba against the ZAR Republicans in the first War of Independence.
Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to comment
Please do an expanded bio on the key figures of the various conflicts.
Will add this to my ever growing list.
'It is over, Boer, I have the high ground!"
*forgot to bring lighsaber to battle
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hmmm the algorythm kicked me off as a subscriber for some unknown reason. Thank you for the clear account.
The wonders of the alorythm.
I've read how there was a farmhouse occupied by the Boers who wrote, "Don't forget Majuba, boys!" on the walls. British soldiers later used the house and wrote, "No fears, Boojers, no fears!"
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
@@TheHistoryChap There was a photo of it in a book about the war, the author was Thomas Pakenham as I recall.
I think the history of those areas started with the Dutch East India Company. Correct me if im wrong I remember some of it in school maybe not correctly? Another fantastic video 🍻
That was a really interesting story that was full of lessons. One person, trying to gain reputation, leads his men to death. I am glad there were survivors so that we could learn the story of this unnecessary battle.
How many follies have been committed by people looking out for their reputations?
@@TheHistoryChap That is so true. It is also so sad for those involved and their families.
Really illustrates the importance of a merit-based system. The best people for the job should always be the first choice, not based on money, connections, class or race. Sadly the modern world is forgetting this:(
@@colonelturmeric558 I agree 100%
Were there German Boers as well Chris?...I always thought that there were. Love the Generals 'Burnside whiskers'...Not to post pickets was criminal...
There were some Boers with German ancestors. Also some Germans turned up to fight on their side too.
...a video on Brompton Cemetary...DO IT!
It is on my list
Cemeteries can be fascinating places.
Thanks for watching my video
What was the Moon phase and cloud cover during the climbing?
Don't know
I feel like the battle of Quebec would be a great story to tell.
It will be coming as I go back a little bit in history.
@@TheHistoryChap My favourite what if of history comes from that battle. Had Wolfe not been killed, would he have been able to best Washington some years later?
There is a South African film on this battle it was on YT with no subtitles.
Thanks for sharing
I would like you to cover the Battle of Laing s nek
👍Chris. Don't ask to bring up a topic if it hasn't been there before, just do it. As always a pleasure!
Cemeteries might not be ewveryone's cup of tea. But glad you are enjoying my work.
@@TheHistoryChap If you want to learn about the local history, I think and do, is to visit the church and cemetery.
The cemetery looks interesting.
Not sure my other half will see it as a great day out :)
Can you pleas cover the Battle of Laing s Nek
It’s on my list
Colley was a lot like Marshal Berthier, good at some things but inept at field command. It should be noted that of the 10 officers that made up the Wolseley ring, 3 were Irish born like Wolseley himself. The thing is unlike other great Irish born generals, Colley did not display distinguishable fighting ability as was shown in his defeats in the First Boer War. He made a wise decision however to leave his guns at his camp as they as was mentioned in the video provided covering fire for the survivors to retreat to safety. Hector MacDonald is another display of proof Scotland like Ireland has produced some of the world's best fighters. I should also mention that another member of the Wolseley ring, General Sir John Carstairs McNeill was Scottish born. Not at all related to this video but John Paul Jones who led raids on several British coastal towns and defeated the British ship HMS Drake during the Revolutionary War was a Scot and earned the title "The Father of the American Navy". Even though we were fighting the British in that war and Scots served in their ranks, it is amazing that our greatest naval commander in that war came technically came from one of their own. As for the aftermath of Majuba, when Evelyn Wood took command from the deceased Colley, he was preparing more troops to return to Transvaal to continue the fighting but as mentioned was ordered to negotiate a peace with the Boers which gave them their independence. His superior Sir Garnet Wolseley however believed he should have continued the campaign with the goal of defeating the Boers and avenge Colley's death. Wolseley never forgave Wood for not avenging the defeat and bore a grudge against him for it. After the very first British defeats at the beginning of the Second Boer War, when Buller's Corps was being assembled to go to South Africa, Woleley refused Wood's desire to go with him even though Wood was willing to serve under his junior Buller because of the role he played in the peace of the aftermath of the first war. Wood should have been permitted to go as despite his deafness, he was one of the more abler officers in Wolseley's ring. As for a video on the British officers buried in that cemetary, looking forward to hearing more interesting facts. I always enjoy learning about officers who were great fighters!
Nathan, thanks for taking the time to put together this incredibly thoughtful post. Have you joined my Supporter's Club ? www.thehistorychap.com
When the Boers discovered riches in there province, many said it was bad news, because the British will come for it, and those persons were right. Peace be unto you.
too true, although most of the mines were owned by non-Boers anyway.
Colley with his ultimatum and cunning plan reminds a bit of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Conrad von Hotzendorf and Gen Potiorek in 1914. Similar, if not as wide reaching, disastrous results. A very interesting video, thanks. I sometimes think you overstate the advantages of a 19th century Staff College education, there is evidence that the lecturers had to more or less give the students the answers to exam question. Of course, as you say brains weren't an asset in the Victorian (or Edwardian?) army. Remember the old joke about the cavalry officer who was so stupied even the others noticed (this couldn't apply to present day politicians like Liz Truss coulod it?)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject
Hi , very interesting shot of history .... Climbing a mountain , then you have nothing to shoot down with ????? whot a foolish idea ... thank for your hard work ....
Thanks for your support.
@@TheHistoryChap have a wonderful weekend 🙏😎
SA made a movie about it in the 70s ,quite good it os
Yes, I've seen it.
The term "First Boer War" is, arguably, a misnomer; there had, in fact, been sporadic Anglo-Boer hostilities on and off ever since 1795.
Yes it is possibly a misnomer but it is the most commonly used term if you read military history books.
Not as much a misnomer as calling the 2nd Anglo-Boer War ''The'' Boer War, as if there had only been one, to dust under the carpet the fact that Britain lost the 1st one.
If those 10,000 british troops had hone into action before the peace talks would that have been the deciding factor and therefore prevent the 2nd Boer war? Anyones guess i suppose. Good viewing as always History Chap 👍🏻
An interesting question. Could have been a different result although the British weren't always very good at night attacks (eg.the battle of Stormkop).
Thinking of Majuba and New Orleans, how many battles has the British Army been routed in after a peace treaty was signed?
Kruger hadn't agreed to the armistice by the time of this battle - in fact he hadn't even received it. But your question begs an interesting research topic.
I've never seen a video on typical Boer armament. What were they using against the Martini?
Probably all kinds of hunting rifles, as they could not afford modern military rifles, at that time....
Anything they could lay their hands on at that time.
Westley-Richards breech loading rifles. Made in Birmingham, ironically. In the 2nd Anglo-Boer War they had German Mausers.
Even though the British preformed poorly in Majuba, the Boer command was also why they won.
Thank you for adding that perspective
Who won? The British lost this war and every single skirmish or battle in it.
Excellent video 📹
The Boer leaders should have learnt from the Zulu war.
The British had setbacks but they came back with greater resources.
You have to think of the lives of your children and wives.
Interesting thought. Thanks for contributing.
I don't understand your point. Do you mean that the British should have learnt from the Zulu War? The Boers hadn't participated in it.
The Boer victory at Majuba was the last of a series of skirmishes and battles with the British, every single one of which the Boers won, and caused the defeat of the British, and the Boer victory in the 1st Anglo-Boer War.
I cannot understand how a force attacking UP a hill could defeat a force on top of the hill?
Impressive that they did.
The slopes of Majuba had a lot of dead ground where the British couldn’t see them advancing. The Boers used this dead ground combined with fire and move tactics. One group would lay down suppression fire while another moved in to the next higher dead ground. The Boers were expert marksman and the British being silhouetted on the crest made easy targets.
Hello Chris. I wonder if you (or any of your many loyal followers) can help me. I remember reading in old publication that I sadly lost ("Regiments of the Scottish Division" = 1973) that the Gordon Highlanders won more VCs than any other regiment (19) However, the article about the Gordon Highlanders in Wikipedia lists only 13 VC winners. I did a search on Google with the words "which Scottish regiment won more VCs" but, strangely as it may seem I did not get any results. I would appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction. Regards. Claudio
Not sure off the top of my head. Let’s hope someone has that info for you. Can anyone help?
@@TheHistoryChap Thanks a lot Chris, have a nice day.
5:05
Coley should have followed Gladstone's orders absolutely.
The military commander in the field cannot know the big political picture.
As High Commissioner he was also the main political man in South East Africa.
Disney had an episode about an old pauper buried in the same small cemetery as the nobility and high ranking military officers. If true, is it the same place?
Not sure about that.
@@TheHistoryChap That episode was in the early 1960's.
It seems he emulated Ferguson on Kings Mountain more than Wolfe at Quebec
Thanks for watching my video
One gets the opinion that the Boers knew what they were doing, while the British did not.
I tend to agree
To think the Boer forces were more a militia than an army.
Thanks for watching my video.
What did Colley have in mind I wonder by taking the high ground but with no weapons that could actually reach his enemy ??
Thanks for watching my video & your interesting comment.
✌
Thanks for watching.
Why would he make such a point of occupying high ground, but not with artillery guns?
No, I'm scratching my head just like you.
The Mahdist and Boar Wars were not kind to the Ashanti Ring.
No they weren't.
A general who deliberately sabotages his government's policy in order to repair his own reputation through an unnecessary battle is nothing but a murderer. In this case the murderer got exactly what he deserved.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thought.
Riveting as always.
many thanks.
I don't it which was terrible humiliation for British Majuba Hill or fall of Singapore by Japanese during World War Two
Singapore is probably the biggest loss in British history. There were many humiliating battles, but I think Sigapore was the worst....
I think fall of Singapore - bigger in scale and political implications within Britain's Asian empire were more profound.
@@TheHistoryChap Armed civilians with no military background fighting for their freedom easily beat the haughty and arrogant British Army
Lieutenant Ian Hamilton also was involved another British defeat and humiliation during World War One. He command the Allied forces during disastrous Gallipoli campaign against the Turks
What is the point of gaining the high ground, if you don't have the long range artillery to make it count?! Also, if you're going to leave half of the plateau undefended, why would you then not have your men entrench your perimeter?!! Seems to me General Colley wasn't near as brilliant as suggested. Well earned defeat in my opinion
Thanks for your comments & for watching my video
You do a jolly good show with the Indigenous Peoples versus the British Empire; being compassionate, fair & detailed. The wars between the Europeans just ain't your vibe. Keep up the good work but avoid your own folk's stories: süd Afrikaan
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
@@TheHistoryChap ai
Another useless battle, the problem with these guys was that they tended to understimate their enemies, either "primitives" or not. If only he had carried some lighter mountain guns, probabilly the Boers would've fled, how did he tought that the simple presence of British soldiers would've been suffice to rout the enemy? Didn't he knew his rifles'range?
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Hubris. The same hubris had caused the massacre at Isandlwana 2 years prior, and being defeated in every skirmish or battle in the 1st Boer War. The first column (just a company strength) actually marched into the Transvaal with a band playing, and were defeated at Bronkhorstspruit, the first skirmish of this war.
I don't get it. What the hell was wrong with this guy? 🤦🏻♂️ His plan was insane! And why the hell wouldn't you defend the damn entry points to the summit!!!??? He had 400 men!!!!! 🤯
You couldn't make it up!