Irish Connection to be discussed at Historical Society AGM
They fought at Colenso, Vaal Kranz and Spioen Kop, and as guerilla fighters up to the bitter end
The Ladysmith Historical Society AGM will be held on Friday, August 26, starting at 6pm at Egerton Manor.
The guest speaker will be Professor Donal McCracken, who wrote the book ‘How the Irish won the Boer War’.
Gazette readers are no stranger to parts of the story as presented by local history buff John Hawkesbury, who wrote a fascinating article on the Irish involvement in the Siege of Ladysmith.
Expect professor Donal McCracken to expound on this, highlighting the role of the Irish throughout the war.
“The Irish Brigade were commanded by a colourful American ex-Indian fighter named Colonel John Blake, assisted by Major John MacBride, an ardent nationalist who had joined the war more for hatred of the English than love of the Boer.
“Blake was wounded in the above battle and MacBride became officer commanding for the remainder of the siege. The Irish Brigade fought anywhere and everywhere. When not rustling horses and cattle from the British, they were holding their own in the siege-line.
“They fought at Colenso, Vaal Kranz and Spioen Kop, and as guerilla fighters up to the bitter end.”
Contact Johan on 0837851022 for more details on the AGM and costs to attend.
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