Description
The Basuto campaign of 1879 against the Baphutis tribe led by the old warrior Chief Moirosi and his son Dodo over their refusal to pay hut tax led to the tribe retiring to an almost inaccessible mountain near the Orange River. It had three near vertical sides and was strongly fortified by the Baphutis. Moirosi and his people held out for many months during which time several gallant attacks were repulsed. One such attack took place on 5th June 1879 with many casualties. It was in this action that Surgeon Major Hartley won the Victoria Cross for attending to the wounded under fire.
