Morosi's Mountain
Encyclopedia
Morosi's Mountain was the name given to a fortified mountain in the Drakensberg
mountain range on the banks of the Orange River
in southern Basutoland
(modern Lesotho
). It was the site of a siege during the Gun War
, also known as the Basuto War
. It acquired the name Morosi's Mountain after the Chief of a local tribe, who, after committing acts deemed to hostile to the Cape Colonial administration, fortified himself on the mountain. A Royal Engineer who was posted to the mountain after the siege began stated that: "Morosi's Mountain is an isolated kopje, rising steeply on the south bank of the Orange River, about 1 500 feet, and connected with the range on the south by a low narrow nek."
For actions during the siege three Victoria Cross
es were awarded to British troops: Peter Brown
, Edmund Hartley
and Robert Scott
.
Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba , and in Sesotho as Maluti...
mountain range on the banks of the Orange River
Orange River
The Orange River , Gariep River, Groote River or Senqu River is the longest river in South Africa. It rises in the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, flowing westwards through South Africa to the Atlantic Ocean...
in southern Basutoland
Basutoland
Basutoland or officially the Territory of Basutoland, was a British Crown colony established in 1884 after the Cape Colony's inability to control the territory...
(modern Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
). It was the site of a siege during the Gun War
Gun War
The Gun War also known as the Basuto War was an 1880-1881 conflict in the British territory of Basutoland in Southern Africa, fought between Cape Colony forces and rebellious Basotho chiefs over tribal rights...
, also known as the Basuto War
Basuto War
The Basuto War may refer to either of two conflicts*The Free State-Basotho War*The Gun War...
. It acquired the name Morosi's Mountain after the Chief of a local tribe, who, after committing acts deemed to hostile to the Cape Colonial administration, fortified himself on the mountain. A Royal Engineer who was posted to the mountain after the siege began stated that: "Morosi's Mountain is an isolated kopje, rising steeply on the south bank of the Orange River, about 1 500 feet, and connected with the range on the south by a low narrow nek."
For actions during the siege three Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
es were awarded to British troops: Peter Brown
Peter Brown (VC)
Peter Brown was a Swedish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Details:...
, Edmund Hartley
Edmund Barron Hartley
Colonel Edmund Barron Hartley VC CMG was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-The deed:...
and Robert Scott
Robert George Scott
Lieutenant Colonel Robert George Scott VC DSO was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
.