5 | Transvaal War of Independence 1880-1881

The Battle of Lang’s (Laing’s) Nek

Laing's Nek, North Umzimyathi, KwaZulu-Natal

501 | 28th January 1881 (Laing’s Nek is the name that has come down through history) The British forces intent … Read More

The Battle of Schuinshoogte

Battle of Schuinshoogte, Ingogo, KwaZulu Natal

502 | 8th February 1881 Having repulsed the British forces at Laing’s Nek the Transvaal Burghers then started to harass … Read More

Fort Mistake

Fort Mistake, Glencoe Area, KwaZulu Natal

503 | Mkupe Pass on the N11. British signalling post built during the war. On east side of N11 overlooking … Read More

The Battle of Majuba

The Battle of Majuba, Newcastle Area, KwaZulu Natal

504 | Sunday 27th February 1881 On the night of Saturday 26th February the British Gen. Sir George Pomeroy Colley … Read More

O’Neil’s Cottage

O'Neill's Cottage, Newcastle Area, KwaZulu Natal

505 | During the Transvaal War of Independence 1880-81 the cottage, home of Eugene O’Neill, which lay in “no mans … Read More

Fort Amiel Museum

Fort Amiel, 4 Fort Street, Amiel Park, Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal

506 | Fort Amiel was opened as the Cultural History Museum of Newcastle in 1990 at the restored British military … Read More

Mount Prospect Cemetery

Mount Prospect Cemetery, Newcastle Area, KwaZulu Natal

507 | This is the site of the British camp and Military Cemetery during the Transvaal War of Independence 1880-81 … Read More

King Cetshwayo’s Grave by Gill Maujean

Maybe his descendants should preserve these places and put some money into their maintenance.

O’Neil’s Cottage by Margaret Ann van der Spuy

Hello Marty Did you receive the What'sApp I sent you this morning with regard my Grandparent Stephen Gregory and Ellen Norah o'Neill?

O’Neil’s Cottage by Margaret Ann van der Spuy

Good morning Marty, It is with interest that I read reach done by you on the O'Neil family name. I too have tried to get info as my Mother was an O'Neill. According to her the surname had 2 l's so I have gone on that. Her Father was Stephen Gregory who was Baptized in the Catholic Cathedral in Bloemfontein. Her Mother was Ellen Norah (I am not really sure of her maiden name but think a Margaret Marr came in somewhere) My Grandfather was a Transport Rider who had a huge black horse where my Mother. as a very young child. was put on to go for a ride much to my Grandmother's dismay! On my Grandmother's side a nurse maid saved her or her Mother from a Zulu attach by hiding in the fields. She had 2 brothers. Somewhere along the line my Grandmother or her Mother ended up in an orphanage in Ladybrand. Reading this through makes very interesting reading and almost a plot for a movie. I have been to the cottage many years ago and it was in a terrible state. Black Jack's everywhere and we could not go inside. Mustnakd a plan to pay another visit there some time. I would be very interested if you can veto the above story or not. My husband has had a beautiful Familie Stam book with his Familie tree. I on the other hand came to a grinding halt in Bloem. On that note i will stop this triad of mine. Thank you for reading it. Stay safe and enjoy your weekend. Margaret van der Spuy