64 V i s i t www.theculturalexperience.com C a l l 0345 475 1815 XXX! XXX The Victorian Era THE ANGLO-bOER WARS NO END OF A LESSON This tour is a study of the two conflicts between the Afrikaners seeking independence and the freedom to maintain their unique way of life, and the imperial Forces of the British Empire during the height of the scramble for Africa. Travelling through this wonderful country you will get a feeling for its vastness, gaining an insight into the problems this caused and how the Boers could use it to their advantage. There is also a chance to spot some of Africa’s unbeatable wildlife whilst venturing through impressive landscapes, and staying in characteristic accommodation in serene and natural surroundings. As we have learnt from our Zulu tours, the local hospitality in South Africa is always welcoming and your guide, Ian Knight, is unrivalled in his knowledge of the country and its military history. 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 28 October– 6 November 2019 10 days with Ian Knight with Ian Knight with Ian Knight with Ian Knight with Ian Knight with Ian Knight Activity Level 2 Activity Level 2 ESSENTIALS Return flights from London, 3 and 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, all lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Tour Price: £3695 Single supplement: £450 Deposit: £350 Price without flights: £3195 In the first half of the 19th century, a desire for freedom from the British government drove large numbers of Afrikaners away from the settled areas into the hinterland. Conditions on the ‘Great Trek’ were harsh and dangerous, and progress was contested by African groups along the way, but it achieved its aim of independence for the Transvaal (1852) and the Orange Free State (1854). This, however, was theageofempireandBritainwaspursuingthe wealth and prosperity of this rich and fertile country, and in 1877 annexed the Transvaal republic. In 1881 the Boer population rebelled and the fighting began. We look at the events which led to that war, the opposing forces and the humiliating defeat of the 'Rooineks' at Majuba Hill in February 1881. The life of the new republic was short. With thediscoveryofgoldintheTransvaal,theBoer way of life was again threatened by an influx of foreign miners, 'Uitlanders'. In October 1899 the conflict was reignited. This was a war of sieges, of huge distances and guerrilla warfare and we look at the commanders, strategy tactics and the fighting men of both sides whilst exploring the most important battle areas. Day 1 - Depart . Fly overnight from London to Johannesburg. Day 2 - Transvaal Rebellion. After a morning arrival in Johannesburg we drive south to explore the battlefields of the climactic actions of the 1881 Transvaal Rebellion. Firstly, at Laing’s Nek we discover how General Sir George Colley completely underestimated the 2,000 strong Boer force and was defeated. Thence onto Majuba Hill where Colley and his 550 men succumbed to a humiliating defeat, Colley himself being killed in the action. The defeat led to the Treaty of Pretoria granting independence to the South African Republic. We head onto Dundee, which changed hands twice during the Second Boer War, and check in to our hotel for three nights. Day 3 - Talana and the Siege of Ladysmith. 18 years after the treaty was signed, the conflict once again flared up. The opening battle of the Second Boer War was at Talana Hill where a frontal attack by the British – this time wearing khaki - succeeded, but at the cost of heavy losses. Thence to Elandslaagte, where once again the British were victorious, but retreated instead of hammering home the advantage. This would become the prelude to the siege of Ladysmith, to which we turn our attention this afternoon, visiting the dedicated museum and the actions around the defensive perimeter of Platrand and Wagon Hill. Day 4 – The Relief Column. Today we focus on the actions of the Ladysmith relief column, starting with the early failure at the Battle of Colenso where a 21,000 strong force led by General Buller were beaten back by 6,000 entrenched Boers. Buller was so badly beaten thatheadvocatedthesurrenderofLadysmith. Despite this, he led a successful assault on the Thukela Heights after the disaster of Spioen Kop, which led to the siege being lifted and the tide of the war began to turn. Day 5 - S pioen Kop. Spioen Kop was the defining battle for the relief of Ladysmith and one of the most poignant British disasters of the war. After believing they had taken “Corpses lay here and there. Many of the wounds were of a horrible nature. The splinters and fragments of the shells had torn and mutilated them. The shallow trenches were choked with dead and wounded.” – Winston Churchill at Spioen Kop