Battle of Zand River

Since February 1900, the Boers had been on the defensive in the Orange Free State. After the Battle of Paardeberg saw Piet Cronje's army surrender, Lord Roberts began the March on Bloemfontein. The march saw the British move west from Kimberley, following the course of the Modder River towards the capital. On 13 March, the operation concluded, and the British occupied Bloemfontein. From there, he decided to clear the south east of the Orange Free State, halting the advance for six weeks. The main army stayed at Bloemfontein, with the 7th Division entrenched at Karee Siding, On 1 May, Ian Hamilton moved out from Winburg, and The main body of infantry, under Lord Roberts which was composed of the 11th Division, 7th Division, French's Cavalry, the 6th Division, and the 3rd Division, moved from Bloemfontein on 3 May towards Karee, and then began moving north on 6 May. == Battle ==

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. By 6 May, the British had advanced north from Bloemfontein, and began their advance on Transvaal. About 130km north of Bloemfontein, they came across a Boer defensive position at Sand (or Zand) River. The Boers had blown up the railway bridge, forcing the British to ford the Sand River. The Boers had overextended their defense line, going at about 20 miles. On the morning of May 10th, the British began the engagement, and prepared to cross the Sand River. General French began moving his cavalry onto the left flank, and engaged the Boers. His cavalry pushed northwards, and was considerably closer to Ventersburg Siding than before. General Broadwood led his cavalry up the center right along the railway, and engaged the Boer rear. He had made it much closer to Ventersburg than French. The infantry began crossing in the center, with Lord Roberts advancing center left, and Ian Hamilton advancing center right. The Boers then attempted a counter-attack from the rear right flank, however mounted infantry repulsed them. By evening, the Boers had retreated northwards, and the British continued their advance on May 11. British units present == Aftermath ==

After the battle, the Boers retreated- == Maps of the Battle ==

File:Battle of Zand River (Full Crossing).jpg|Full map of the crossing and battle File:Battle of Zand RIver Map.jpg|Ian Hamilton and General Broadwood's operations at Zand River == References ==