Battle of Colenso

The Battle of Colenso was the third and final battle fought during the Black Week of the Second Boer War. It was fought between British and Boer forces from the independent South African Republic and Orange Free State in and around Colenso, Natal, South Africa on 15 December 1899.

Battle of Colenso
Part of the Second Boer War

Boer Commando in action during the battle
Date15 December 1899 (1899-12-15)
Location
Colenso, South Africa
Result Boer victory
Belligerents

 United Kingdom

Commanders and leaders
Redvers Buller Louis Botha
Strength
  • 14,000 infantry
  • 2,700 mounted troops
  • 44 guns
4,500
Casualties and losses
  • 143 killed
  • 755 wounded
  • 240 missing
  • 10 guns captured
  • 8 killed
  • 30 wounded

Inadequate preparation, lack of reconnaissance and uninspired leadership led to a British defeat.

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