'Kimberley 1900', Colonel Robert George Kekewich, 1900

Patinated bronze statuette by Sidney March (1876-1968), made by Elkington and Company Limited, 1900 (c). On the base the inscription, 'Kimberley 1900'.

One of four statuettes celebrating commanders of British forces during the Boer War (1899-1902). The statuettes were advertised in the 1 December 1900 issue of 'The Daily Graphic', 'Price in solid Bronze £5.0.0.'.

Colonel Robert Kekewich (1854-1914) joined the 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs) in 1874. He saw service in Burma, the Sudan and the Malay state of Perak. Kekewich served with the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) during the Boer War, commanding the besieged Kimberley garrison from 1899 to 1900. He frequently argued with Cecil Rhodes whose interference in military affairs greatly annoyed him.

Kekweich was wounded at Moedewil on 30 September 1901. For his service in South Africa he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. In August 1902 Kekewich was promoted to major-general after defeating a Boer commando at the Battle of Rooiwal in April of that year.

On the outbreak of the First World War Kekewich was appointed to the command of the newly formed 13th (Western) Division in the Summer of 1914. However, in poor health, Kekewich was invalided home and subsequently committed suicide on 5 November 1914.