A First Boer War engagement fought to secure British supply lines after the defeat at Laing's Nek.
Key Facts
- Date
- 8 February 1881
- Also known as
- Battle of Ingogo
- Location
- North of Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal
- Conflict
- First Boer War
- British commander
- General Sir George Pomeroy Colley
- Boer commander
- Commander J. D. Weilbach
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Boer victory at the Battle of Laing's Nek, mounted Boer patrols under Commander J. D. Weilbach began harassing British communications between the British camp and Newcastle. General Colley needed to protect his supply line and receive reinforcements, prompting action to clear the Newcastle–Mount Prospect road.
On 8 February 1881, General Sir George Pomeroy Colley engaged Boer forces under Commander Weilbach at Schuinshoogte, north of Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal. The battle, also called the Battle of Ingogo, was an attempt to drive off Boer patrols that were disrupting British supply and communication routes.
The engagement at Schuinshoogte was part of the broader British struggle to maintain operational viability in the region during the First Boer War. Colley's efforts to secure the road and await reinforcements reflected the increasing pressure the Boer forces were placing on British military positions in Natal.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Sir George Pomeroy Colley.
Side B
1 belligerent
Commander J. D. Weilbach.