1-153-594 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Siege of Ladysmith, South Africa, Boer War, 1899-1900. Defending British troops in trenches fixing bayonets in preparation to repel a Boer attack. The siege of Ladysmith by the Boers lasted from 1 November, 1899 until 28 February, 1900. Some 20,000 soldiers and civilians were besieged in the town, a railway junction surrounded by hills. Shortages of food and fresh water, particularly after the Boers cut off the water supply to the town, caused around 60% of the casualties suffered by the defenders during the siege. Ladysmith was finally relieved after 118 days by a force commanded by General Redvers Buller, after two previous attempts had resulted in defeats at Colenso and Spion Kop.