KZN: A Photographic Historical Record

Spionkop – Kings Royal Rifles Monument – Aloe Knoll

Spionkop – Kings Royal Rifles Monument – Aloe Knoll

Spionkop was the site of General Buller’s second attempt to relieve Ladysmith on 24 January 1901.
This attempt also failed with the loss of many men.
One of the reasons was the for failure to secure Conical Hill and Aloe knoll which overlooked the positions taken up by the British troops and that this position was not at the crest of the top of Spionkop. Their positions were overlooked by the Boers and could be enfiladed by Boer rifle and artillery fire.
The two knolls were occupied by Commandant Prinsloo of the Carolina Commando who put down heavy fire.
The Kings Royal Rifles unsuccessfully attempted to take these positions and a monument is positioned in the saddles of the knolls to commemorate those that fell.
The images in this album show the commanding views these positions had over the surrounding area.

Hugh at King Royal Rifles Monument between Conical Hill and Aloe Knoll on Spionkop

Aloe Knoll (Spionkop) view towards Potgieter’s Drift

View from Aloe Knoll (Spionkop) towards Buller’s HQ



KZN: A Photographic Historical Record