← Table of contents
War medals of the British Army, and how they were won

CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE GRIQUAS, 1878.

Reading edition

While the war was still raging in Kaffraria, disturbances arose in Griqualand West, to the northward of the Orange river. The Griquas are a mixed race, descended from the Dutch Colonists, and the original Hottentot inhabitants. About seventeen years before, they had emigrated from Cape Colony to the territory named from them Griqualand, of which Colonel Owen Lanyon, of the 2nd. West India Regiment was Governor, at the time the revolt against British Authority broke out. This insurrection was suppressed by the Colonial forces alone, after several sharp engagements, with a hardy foe, armed with muskets, and skilled in their use. On June 11th. their stronghold was attacked, and carried after a contest of six hours, by a force under Inspector Nisbett; and a large number of cattle, sheep, and horses were captured. In June and July several skirmishes took place, in all but one of which the Griquas were worsted, with heavy loss in men, and cattle. On July 20th., 1878, they again suffered a severe defeat, soon after which an Amnesty was proclaimed, and the war ended.

Explore with AITake your curiosity a little further.

Reading settings