eGGSA Graves - North West

'This old earthwork or fort is situated a few hundred metres south of the Potchefstroom railway station. Its origin is a mystery, for when it became of historical importance during the First Transvaal War of Independence, it was already old. At the conclusion of the meeting at Paardekraal on 14th December, Gen. Piet Cronje was sent from there with a commando to have a proclamation announcing the restoration of the republican government printed by J P Borrius at Potchefstroom. The presence of Cronje and his men in the town led to the opening shots of the war on 16th December. Winsloe's garrison and a number of civilians who sought the protection of the fort were immediately besieged in it. The siege lasted for 95 days, until 21st March, 1881. Heavy fighting took place. The small British force repeatedly attacked the Boer forces and suffered counter-attacks. Winsloe's losses amounted to 25 killed and 54 wounded. Six died of illness. Bearing in mind that for three months 322 men, women and children were confined in an area 22 metres square, protected only by earthworks, and exposed to the accurate fire of the Boers, these losses are remarkably small. The food supplies of the garrison gradually became depleted and, as a result, sickness broke out. Orders were given that grass and young maize plants were to be cooked with the salt beef to counteract scurvy. Finally Winsloe entered into negotiations with Cronje and surrendered on 21st March, 1881. Cronje allowed the garrison to march out with their flag and they were given kindly treatment and left for the Orange Free State escorted by Comdt. J Wolmarans. A District Order issued in Pretoria on 7th April 1881, by the Officer Commanding read: 'The fort at Potchefstroom capitulated on 21st March, but only when its garrison was reduced to extremity, and after as brave a defence as any in military annals, the troops marching out with the honours of war'. Source: https://www.artefacts.co.za/main/Buildings/bldgframes.php?bldgid=7616 Cemetery information:- Album complete, we have photographs of all the headstones in the cemetery. eGGSA captions done by: Annel Meyer. Information also available on the GGSA Cemetery DVD:- Cemetery ID: 1784 Names in cemetery: 27 Google Earth Project Information:- GPSID: 2057 GPS: -26 43.040, 27 05.175