As is sadly the case on many ridges in Joburg, please do not attempt this cache alone nor at night and always keep an eye out for your own safety. Please check the additional waypoints for details on how to gain access to the ridge and a recommended parking spot.
About 120m away from GZ is the highest point in Johannesburg with Trig Beacon 2628-72 marking the spot at 1808.6m. Northcliff Hill, the 2nd highest point in Johannesburg stands at 1807.2m. Unfortunately the exact spot of the highest point is inaccessible as it is right next to a radio tower which has been fenced off. Nevertheless, this ridge also houses a special memorial dating back to the Anglo Boer War which you will come across when finding this geocache.
The sandstone Indian Memorial next to GZ was erected in memory of the Hindu, Sikh, Christian, Muslim and Zoroastrian Indians who lost their lives in the Anglo Boer War. Originally the monument had plaques in Urdu, Hindi and English although today only the English ones remain.
About 9000 men were brought from India and served during the Anglo Boer War in a non-combative capacity. They served as stretcher bearers, veterinary assistants, farriers and water and ammunition carriers. The majority were based in a camp below Observatory in what is now known as Bezuidenhout Park.
On 31 October 1902, 5 months after the war ended, the monument was unveiled by Hon NG Lyttleton KCB, the officer commanding the Transvaal and Orange River colonies.
I hope you enjoy visiting the monument and taking in the awesome views while finding this geocache!
References:
Highest point honours Indian Army
Indian Army Memorial
The Indian Army Memorial: Observatory Ridge, Johannesburg
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