Newspaper salesman, announcing news of the Relief of Ladysmith on 1 March 1900

Photograph from an album compiled by Lieutenant-Colonel H B Holt.

In November 1899, the Natal Field Force under Lieutenant-General (later Field Marshal) Sir George White (1835-1912) was besieged by Boer forcerss in the town of Ladysmith. With White isolated, command of the British forces fell to General Sir Redvers Buller VC (1839-1908), who concentrated a force near Colenso, about 14 miles (22.5 kms) from Ladysmith.

Buller's first attempts to relieve the town resulted in the failures at Colenso (15 December 1899), Spion Kop (24-25 January 1900) and Vaal Kranz (5-7 February). However, the final and successful attempt began with the capture of Hlangwane Hill on 19 February. This gave the British forces command of the Tugela River. On the 22nd a steady advance was made on Pieter's Hill which was taken and held at the cost of heavy casualties. Buller then pivoted his whole army, swinging the centre and left back across the Tugela, before re-crossing it to turn the Boer left flank, thereby opening the way to relieve Ladysmith.

Lieutenant General Lord Dundonald, mentioned in the news sheet, commanded the Mounted Brigade of the South Natal Field Force at the time.