Blaauwberg battle commemorated with annual remembrance ceremony

The Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area (FoBCA) hosted its annual remembrance ceremony on Saturday, January 17, to honour the Battle of Blaauwberg, fought on January 8, 1806.

The event took place along the historic route once marched by British forces as they advanced into battle against the Batavian troops at the Cape.

The ceremony began with a short service led by the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTHS), followed by a ceremonial cannon firing.

According to FoBCA member Stephanie Muller, approximately 60 people attended the commemoration.

She said after the formal proceedings, participants split into groups to experience the area in different ways.

"Some took part in the Two Hills walk, others joined the Battle of Blaauwberg walk tracing key moments of the historic conflict, while another group opted to drive directly to the summit of Blaauwberg Hill," she said.

Attendees were also able to visit the interpretive centre situated at the top of Blaauwberg Hill, she said.

The centre offers detailed information about the Battle of Blaauwberg, including historical artefacts, a three-dimensional representation of the battlefield landscape and additional educational displays aimed at preserving and sharing the site’s rich history.

To read more about the 1806 Battle of Blaauwberg, visit https://bca.org.za/activities/battle-of-blaauwberg.