Caesars Camp Ladysmith

Platrand formed part of Zone C within the perimeter defences of the town. It came under the command of Colonel Ian Hamilton. The flat-topped hill is 4 kilometres in length, varying in width from 800 to 1200 metres. Lying about 120 metres above the town it comprises three areas, Caesar’s Camp,Wagon Hill and Wagon Point.

Caesars Camp is 300 feet above the town, 2500 yards long and varies between 500 and 800 yards across. In 1899 it was mainly devoid of trees and bushes but here and there along the southern edge there were a few thorn bushes.

On 7th November 1899 there was a general bombardment from the Boer guns and riflemen. The Manchesters returned the fire to the valley below and on to Mounted Infantry and Middle Hills in front. The Manchesters casualties were 1 killed and 7 wounded.

The same night, 7th November, the 42nd Royal Field Artillery under Major Goldblom moved on to Caesars Camp.

On 27th November 1899 a Naval 12 pounder was moved to Caesar’s Camp

The Natal Naval Volunteer gun pit at the side of the Manchester Fort ….”thickened walls & divided it with a partition” called Fort Escombe. A new gun pit edge of Caesars Camp near to Wagon Hill.

On the 29/30th December 1899 the Boers again considered an attack on Wagon Hill but again called it off at the last minute because the majority of the Boer leaders did not believe they would succeed.

‘A’ squadron 18^th Hussars under Captain Wellby were sent up on 7^th January in support of the Manchesters and remained there (18^th Hussars diary)

A line of strong piquets, sangars and abattis, with barbed wire interwoven, was erected round the south and west face of Caesars Camp and Wagon Hill. Entanglements and crinolines of barbed wire were formed round guns etc. A road was constructed to the top of Caesars Camp.