There was huge enthusiasm when Joubert announced to the assembled commandos at Sandspruit that the Boer republics were in a state of war with Great Britain. He had arrived there on a special train and the British journalist H.W. Nevinson wrote: At Zandspruit the whole Boer camp crowded to the station to greet the national hero, and he was at once surrounded by a herd of farmers, shaking his hands and patting him warmly on the back. It was a
respectful but democratic greeting. Joubert’s advance into the Colony of Natal commenced on 11th October. The Boers moved slowly and cautiously. Newcastle, undefended by the British, was occupied only on the 14th
and it took another five days before they reached the outskirts of Dundee. Although they suffered setbacks at Talana and Elandslaagte, Joubert’s men pressed forward and the battle outside Ladysmith on Monday 30th October 1899
restored the Boer morale and confidence.
respectful but democratic greeting. Joubert’s advance into the Colony of Natal commenced on 11th October. The Boers moved slowly and cautiously. Newcastle, undefended by the British, was occupied only on the 14th
and it took another five days before they reached the outskirts of Dundee. Although they suffered setbacks at Talana and Elandslaagte, Joubert’s men pressed forward and the battle outside Ladysmith on Monday 30th October 1899
restored the Boer morale and confidence.
