Battle of Graspan | |||||||
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Part of the Second Boer War | |||||||
The Battle of Graspan as seen from the railway station | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
United Kingdom |
South African Republic Orange Free State | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Lord Methuen | Koos de la Rey | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
8,000 16 field guns |
2,000 5 field guns | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
20 killed 165 wounded | ~200 killed |
The Battle of Graspan, also known as the Battle of Enslin, was an engagement in the Second Boer War near the Enslin railway station at Graspan kopje. The battle took place on November 25, 1899, between British forces led by Lord Methuen and Boers led by Koos de la Rey.
After the Battle of Belmont, Lord Methuen's force advanced up the railway in armored trains. On November 24, the train was shelled by Boer artillery in the nearby hills, deraling it. Methuen then decided to engage the Boers to continue his advance, with a subsequent assault on the next day.[1]