December 15th, 1899. The Battle of Colenso. One of the most devastating British defeats of the entire Boer War.
In this episode, Rassi Erasmus, a sixteen-year-old burgher of the Krugersdorp Commando — looks back on the morning he watched the Irish Brigade march into a trap on the Tugela River. From his position on Fort Wylie, he saw everything. The parade-ground columns. The horseshoe bend. The men who tried to swim. The sealed chocolate tins scattered in the long grass when it was over.
This is the Battle of Colenso from the other side of the wire.
Sons of No Country — the history behind the novels. Books and links in the description
Rassi’s story continues in futures episode — the Krugersdorp Commando at Inniskilling Hill.
Mama, Rassi’s story, and A Violent Shade of Orange, Jim’s story, are available on Amazon.
For the historical research behind these episodes, visit Sons of No Country on Substack.
I’m Gary Corken. Thank you for listening.
