On Friday 28 January 2010, 15h00, a contingent of 27 Moths and their friends of the Pietermaritzburg and District Long Distance Raiders Group set out on a raid to Ladysmith Natal and the surrounding battlefields. Destinations 5SAI Army camp Ladysmith.

The Raiders arrived at 5SAI at ± 17h30 and were pleasantly surprised at the accommodation. Unfortunately the toilets/ showers were 100 m from the sleeping quarters. Normal army!!.

Once settled in we proceeded to Siegetown S/H where we were welcomed by the Old Bill , Kevin, and the rest of the members of Siegetown. The Siegetown crowd were most hospitable. After the braai a party ensued where large quantities of various liquids were consumed. A great evening was had by all and we retired back to 5 SAI sometime later that evening. Sleeping in a room with five other chap reminded me of basics. I forgot how many different sounds / smells could come out of a human body.

Saturday morning we returned to Siegetown and were served up an excellent breakfast. The raiders who did not want coffee were offered an alternative of ice cold refreshments. Say no more. From Siegetown S/H we proceeded to the Ladysmith museum to meet our historical guide, Arno. He introduced himself and mentioned that he was a teacher but was available to conduct historical tour on request. We found him most knowledgeable of the local history. He continued to explained to us how the Siege of Ladysmith occurred and why the battle of Spioenkop took place. Before leaving for Spionkop the bus and combi were restocked, re-iced and ready for the long trip. We arrived at Spioenkop and proceeded to the summit of the mountain. From this vantage point you had an excellent view of the surrounding area. Arno gave us a brief description of the battle and pointed out were the various British and Boer defences were. He and the raiders then proceeded on foot to various other battle sites in close proximity to Spioenkop. This tour took ± 2hours in the lunchtime sun of 35 Deg. C Plus. Luckily some raiders stay behind to look after the supplies and make sure the ice did not melt. The raiders returned from the walk very sunburnt and crying out for liquid refreshments. Once everyone had regained their strength and were refreshed we returned to 5SAI for a clean up, swim then left at 18:00 back to Siegetown. for a delicious Potjie and party. Marc, the Deputy Raid Commander handed to the Old Bill of Siegtown a banner on behalf of the raiders as well as the O.B. from Allan Wilson S/H ,Brain, who did the same. Arno, our guide was also presented a token of thanks for his efforts. The group was rather " bushed " after the long day and returned to the 5 SAI at 22h00.

The next day Sunday we again returned to Seigetown for an excellent breakfast and proceeded to Doug Mc Masters Blockhouse museum on his farm. The stop was very interesting especially when one of our prominent Allan Wilson members did a Tarzan display from the top old an oak tree.

From here we went back to Ladysmith and visited Covent Hill and then to Platrand. .Arno explained the history of both places. Lastly we visited the Boer Monument overlooking Ladysmith.

At 14h00 a rather tired bunch of Raiders returned home and arrived at Allan Wilson at 17h00.

I have not elaborated and any of the history of the sites we visited as it would take up more than this computer could handle but the information is available on Google or in the library. A great time was had by all and my sincere thanks to all who contributed to make the Raid such a success.

Y.U.T.H.

Mickey Low

LDRG Raid Comander. ( See Some photos of the raid below)