Major-General Sir Henry Jenner Scobell, KCVO, CB (2 January 1859 – 1 February 1912) was a British military leader who served as the last officer in command of Cape Colony before the formation of the Union of South Africa.

With 65 men, Scobell rode 35 miles, forcing his way past the Boer commandos defending the rail line in order seize the heights.

Scobell was able to escape with part of his command, having to shoot their way through the Boer commandos[9] After nearly dying in the battle at Zilikat's Nek in the Magaliesberg, he captured Barberton.

A review of the action at Zilikats's Nek exonerated Scobell and he was given the local rank of lieutenant-colonel on 1 December 1900 and placed in command of the 1st Regiment, Brabant Horse.

[11] As part of the British effort to defeat the Boer insurgency, General French appointed Scobell to command a column of cavalry.

In the midst of a six-day mission, Scobell received information that Lötter's commando was laagered near the town of Petersburg in a gorge called Groenkloof.

In exchange for 10 dead troopers, Scobell's column killed 13, wounded 46 and captured the rest of Lötter's command, effectively destroying one of the most successful Boer units operating in the Cape.

With the end of the war approaching, Scobell returned to London on board the steamer Plassy in February 1902,[16] and was received in audience by King Edward VII at Buckingham Palace the following May.