ABSTRACT
In three successive battles, Belmont, Graspan and Modder River, Lord Methuen's 1st Division successfully drove the Boers from their fortified positions. However, the British were unable to claim a decisive victory in any of these encounters and the enemy force easily slipped away. After outpacing the British, the Boers headed north, regrouped and received reinforcements. Anticipating Methuen's next move, they repositioned themselves enfilading the course of the railway As a result, Methuen and his plodding division faced an awaiting Boer force as they advanced up the rail-line and arrived at the next station. In order to preserve the integrity of their line of communication, the British reluctandy engaged the enemy at each encounter. At the heights of Magersfontein, six miles to the north of Modder River and fifteen miles south of Kimberley, the Boers again entrenched and awaited Methuen's advance. At his camp on the banks of the Modder River, Methuen prepared for one last battle at Magersfontein which he hoped would open up the railway to Kimberley and allow for its relief. This chapter focuses on Methuen's advance from the Modder River to Kimberley in December 1899, providing a narrative and analysis of the battle of Magersfontein and its effects on Methuen and the British army.
