This is a small traditional cache. It is not
at or on the fort so please do not
disturb any of the stones at the fort. Please keep your eyes open
for any muggles and muggers.
These forts were build by Lord Kitchener
during the Burgher war (1899- 1902) and it was part of the master
plan to control the movement of the Burghers. Today only the ruins
of this fort can be seen. The museum in Bloemfontein near cache
called “Women's Monument” (GCN856) have detailed
sketches of the various fort designs. In Barberton one can see one
of the first designs. (GCT6V1)
One of the better designs can be seen at cache
GCTP9J. This particular blockhouse was part of a group of
blockhouses that stretched from Colesberg and Bethulie to Aliwal
North as this was the border of the then Cape Colony. I believe
that they were connected with barbed wire with tin cans to warn of
any crossings. Next to the N1 you will find another blockhouse at
cache GC250E. Here the blockhouse was protecting the railway line.
At this particular spot the railway line was cut through a hill and
it was easy for the Burghers to attack it from above. After several
attacks the blockhouse was build.
But forts were built even before this war. You
can also view Fort Merensky (cache GCR5QF). Here the German
missionaries build a fort to protect themselves against attacks
which were frequent.
