[1] The Boers had set up defensive positions at the river, extending around 20 miles, in order to prevent the British from advancing on Kroonstad and Pretoria.

Forces led by Ian Hamilton and John French hunted Boer commandos in the south, composing of mostly colonial and cavalry units.

Through March, April, and early May, the British cleared the region of hostile commandos, mostly led by Christiaan de Wet.

By the beginning of May, the clearing of the south east Orange Free State had been complete, and so Lord Roberts decided to move his army north towards Pretoria.

[5] The Boers, being forced from the southern Free State, moved north to join the other commandos, entrenching themselves at the Sand River to prevent the British from advancing further up the railway lines.

Cavalry then attempted to head towards Ventersburg Siding, however they ran across a strong Boer rear position, and was repulsed even after French's reinforcements arrived.