Royal Engineers preparing to blow up a Boer farm, 1901 (c)

Photograph, Boer War (1899-1902), 1901 (c).

Despite the annexation of the Orange Free State and the Transvaal by the British in 1900 many Boers fought on and 18 months of cruel guerrilla warfare followed. In an attempt to prevent the Boers from obtaining supplies, information and assistance, the British burned farms and crops and confined Boer families in concentration camps.

Such policies proved to be counter-productive. They aroused widespread criticism at home and abroad because of the fatalities from disease and hunger. By relieving the Boer 'bitter enders' of responsibility for their families, it also allowed them to concentrate on fighting.

From a photograph album compiled by Surgeon W H Harland, 1900-1901.