The Battle of Tugela Heights represented the final conquest of General Buller to relieve the Siege of Ladysmith. This massive encounter took place throughout 12-28 February 1900. It ultimately led to the relief of Ladysmith. General Buller’s troops fought this battle in two stages:
The fighting on the South Bank of the Tugela River (Thukela River)
These were Cingolo Hill, Monte Cristo, Green Hill, Hlangwane.
The actions of the North Bank of the Tugela River
Colenso Koppies, Wynne’s Hills, Inniskilling (Hart’s) Hill, Railway Hill. These actions led to the breakthrough of the Boer lines at Pieters Ridge, which opened the way to Ladysmith.
The Boers fought bravely throughout this battle but were overwhelmed. They numbered some 5,000 men instead of approximately 20,000 on the British side.