Sites

The site is situated on top of the ridge forming the southern boundary of the study area. It consists of low stonewalling built all along the edge of the ridge’s summit and extends for a reasonable distance. The position of the site on top of the ridge suggests a military connection, which was confirmed by the finding of openings in the stone walls which can be interpreted as shooting holes. The third confirmation of the site as of military origin was established when a casing from a .303 rifle was observed on the surface of the site. The casing’s headstamp bear the following symbols “B C II”. According to Loock (2002) the ‘B’ indicates that the cartridge was manufactured by the Birmingham Metal & Munitions Company of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The ‘C’ stands for cordite while the II indicates that the round was a Mark II. All these symbols therefore indicate that the round was a Mark II cordite cartridge which according to Loock (2003:286) was the
“…workhorse of the Anglo Boer War”. First produced in July 1893, these cartridges were produced in enormous quantities. While the desktop study has revealed that the Battle of Diamond Hill took place in the surrounding area, and that the Waterberg Commando was positioned in the general vicinity, this sangar contains British ammunition while its orientation is toward the north-east. It therefore seems likely that it formed part of the British fortifications constructed after the Battle of Diamond Hill.