Battle of Berea

Battle of Berea
Map of the Battle of Berea sent by Sir George Cathcart to London
Date 20 December 1852 Location Berea, Basutoland (present day Lesotho) 29°19′S 27°36′E / 29.32°S 27.60°E / -29.32; 27.60 Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
British Empire	Basuto Taung
Commanders and leaders
George Cathcart	Moshoeshoe I
Strength
c. 1,000	c. 7,000
Casualties and losses
38 killed 14 wounded	c. 50 killed and wounded
Berea class=notpageimage| Location of the battle in present day Lesotho

The Battle of Berea was a battle between British forces under Sir George Cathcart and Basuto-Taung forces under King Moshoeshoe I that took place on 20 December 1852. The battle began when British forces broke into three columns and crossed the Caledon River in southern Africa, with the goal of seizing Basuto cattle as a form of punishment for past Basuto cattle raiding.

A combination of stiff Basuto resistance, poor planning and miscoordination on the side of the British forces led to far fewer cattle being seized than originally planned. The British withdrew in order to regroup after suffering relatively high casualties. However a peace agreement was reached before the resumption of hostilities. The Basuto paid limited restitution, while agreeing to halt any further cattle raids against British subjects.