Maj. Gen. Sir George Pomeroy Colley occupied Control the summit of the hill on the night of 26–27 February 1881 .

Colley 's motive for occupying Control Majuba Hill may have been anxiety that the Boers would soon occupy Control it themselves , Colley having witnessed Know their trenches being dug in the direction of the hill .

Colley 's motive for occupying Control Majuba Hill may have been anxiety that the Boers would soon occupy Control it themselves , Colley having witnessed Know their trenches being dug in the direction of the hill .

The hill was not considered to be scalable by the Boers , for military purposes , and hence it may have been Colley 's attempt to emphasise Statement British power and strike fear into the Boer camp .

Twelve men from no.1 section were selected Choosing for the raid ; including the commanding officer , Herbert 'Blondie ' Hasler , and with the reserve Marine Colley the total of the team numbered thirteen .