120th commemoration of the Battle of Moedwil

Moedwil/ Rustenburg – Elandsrivier Museum facilitated the commemoration of the Battle of Moedwil on Thursday 30 September. This legendary battle took place in this area exactly 120 years ago on 30 September 1901.

The proceedings were led by historian Peet Coetzee who gave a detailed overview of the battle – before, during and after, to the 30 history enthusiasts who attended.

A wreath was laid on a mass grave of British soldiers after Coetzee gave a brief explanation of what happened in the immediate surroundings during the battle. Afterwards a minute of silence was observed followed by the Last Post that was played.

From here proceeding moved to the farm, Dwarsspruit where the boers under general De la Ray gathered days before the battle of Moedwil and where the fallen boers were buried after the battle. Coetzee shared his knowledge of what transpired there.

This was also followed by a wreath laying, moment of silence and playing of the Last Post. Ds Stephan Botha concluded the proceedings with a short sermon and prayer.

One of the visitors, Andre Wadepohl said: “It was a great privilege to participate in the commemoration of the battle of Moedwil.

A big thank you to Peet Coetzee for his detailed and extremely careful research of the battle, and also for the sensitive and even-handed way in which he handled the proceedings.”

A special thanks also goes out to Johann Pretorius who facilitated the access to the two war cemeteries as well as his hospitality afterwards at his restaurant at the Moedwil filling station.

If anyone would like to get more information regarding Elandsrivier Museum, the Battle of Moedwil or any other Anglo Boer War questions, please feel free to contact Maarten Stols, on 082 556 8861 or meule@vodamail.co.za.

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