British Empire 1900 1901 1902 The Battle of Hartbeesfontein, was the scene of a large skirmish during the Second Boer War which took place on February 17, 1901.

[1] In early February 1901 Lord Methuen had embarked on a lengthy trek in the South Western Transvaal marching towards Klerksdorp.

A unit led by Captain Poison, were descending the 500 ft escarpment above town, when they were confronted by entrenched Boer forces of about 1,500 men, over double their number.

[3] Methuen tried to take the left position but the 5th battalion Yeomanry Shropshire, Worcestershire and Northumberland could get no further than the spurs and flanks of the hill due to heavy Boer rifle fire.

[4] From dawn to 10pm both sides exchanged fire when Methuen ordered two companies of Major Murray's convoy guard to occupy a strategic position.