Heilbron Commando History

The Boer Republics were divided into a number of districts, each of which produced a commando in time of war. In broad terms every able-bodied male from 16 to 60 was obliged to turn out equipped with a saddle and bridle, rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition, and enough food for eight days. One such district was Heilbron in the Orange Free State and it was in the commando from this district that Christiaan de Wet, aged 45, joined the war as a citizen soldier in October 1899.

De Wet was soon to move to higher command, and the Heilbron Commando served with distinction in a number of major engagements, notably the battle of Nicholson's Nek and Modderspruit (30/10/1899), the siege of Ladysmith, the battle of Magersfontein (1/12/1899), the battle of Graskop (6/1/1900) and the furious engagement at Platrand (Wagon Hill) (6/1/1900). Heilbronners were active in the field right until the end of the war, sometimes in De Wet's command and at other times under other generals.