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Potchefstroom, North West
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Click to view map Coordinates: | This old earthwork or fort is situated a few hundred metres south of the Potchefstroom railway station. Its origin is a mystery, for when it became of historical importance during the First Transvaal War of Independence, it was already old. In 1877 Great Britain proclaimed the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek as British territory. At first the Boers accepted the position, but in 1880 they went into open rebellion against it. At a large meeting at Paardekraal that lasted from 8th to 14th December, it was resolved to restore the Republican Government as it had existed before the annexation. The British authorities in Pretoria were fully aware of the rebellious activities of the Boers. While the meeting at Paardekraal was in progress, definite military preparations were made. One of the steps taken was to send Maj. R W C Winsloe of the 2nd Battery, Royal Scots Fusiliers, from Pretoria to Potchefstroom to take over the command of the garrison of 213 officers, non-commissioned officers and men. He arrived on 12th December and immediately occupied the fort. He strengthened its defences in such a manner as to reduce its inner measurement from 27 to 22 metres square and he also dug a well to provide the fort with water. At the conclusion of the meeting at Paardekraal on 14th December, Gen. Piet Cronje was sent from there with a commando to have a proclamation announcing the restoration of the republican government printed by J P Borrius at Potchefstroom. The presence of Cronje and his men in the town led to the opening shots of the war on 16th December. Winsloe's garrison and a number of civilians who sought the protection of the fort were immediately besieged in it. The siege lasted for 95 days, until 21st March, 1881. Heavy fighting took place. The small British force repeatedly attacked the Boer forces and suffered counter-attacks. Winsloe's losses amounted to 25 killed and 54 wounded. Six died of illness. Bearing in mind that for three months 322 men, women and children were confined in an area 22 metres square, protected only by earthworks, and exposed to the accurate fire of the Boers, these losses are remarkably small. The food supplies of the garrison gradually became depleted and, as a result, sickness broke out. Orders were given that grass and young maize plants were to be cooked with the salt beef to counteract scurvy. Finally Winsloe entered into negotiations with Cronje and surrendered on 21st March, 1881. Cronje allowed the garrison to march out with their flag and they were given kindly treatment and left for the Orange Free State escorted by Comdt. J Wolmarans. A District Order issued in Pretoria on 7th April 1881, by the Officer Commanding read: 'The fort at Potchefstroom capitulated on 21st March, but only when its garrison was reduced to extremity, and after as brave a defence as any in military annals, the troops marching out with the honours of war'. (Oberholster, 1972: 310-1) Proclaimed a National Monument in 1937, now a Provincial Heritage Site More info: For an article by Prof R J Mason published in 1975 on archaeological excavations at the Fort in 1973-4, see The South African Military History Society. Books and articles that reference Fort
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