2-321-717 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Town Hall, struck by a Boer shell during the siege, Ladysmith, South Africa, 1901. 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. Stereoscopic card.