Published by Ravan Press, 1999, Battles of the Anglo-Boer War series , softcover, 44 pages, illustrated, with drawings, photographic images & maps, 44 pages, condition: as new.

The Battle of Spion Kop was a military engagement between British forces and two Boer Republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, during the campaign by the British to relieve the besieged city Ladysmith during the initial months of the Second Boer War. The battle was fought 2324 January 1900 on the hilltop of Spioen Kop, about 38 km (24 mi) west-southwest of Ladysmith and resulted in a Boer victory.

Battles of the Anglo-Boer War series provides an accessible guide to some of the major campaigns, battles and battlefields of this historic conflict in KwaZulu-Natal. The books are written for the general reader as well as for historians seeking fresh insights into the events leading up to, during and after the battles. The text is supported by contemporary accounts and photographs, some of which have never previously been published. Maps show in detail the routes and dispositions of the opposing forces for each battle. Confusion and carnage among the British troops on the summit of Spioenkop followed what began as a successful surprise on the Boers. Under constant, heavy fire the British were forced to withdraw, once again failing to relieve Ladysmith.

Gilbert Torlage lived at the foot of Spioenkop for several years, has studied and written on aspects of this battlefield and has made an academic study of various aspects of the Anglo-Boer War in KwaZulu-Natal. Over the past 35 years he has conducted numerous tours to Spioenkop and other battlefields relating to the Siege of Ladysmith and the British attempts to relieve the town.