An early British defeat in the Second Boer War that led to the 118-day Siege of Ladysmith.
Key Facts
- Date
- 30 October 1899
- British detachment surrendered
- 800 men
- Siege duration
- 118 days days
- Victoria Cross recipient
- John Norwood
- Boer commander (surrender)
- Commandant De Wet
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Boer armies had been slowly encircling the British garrison town of Ladysmith during the opening weeks of the Second Boer War, prompting British commanders to concentrate a large force in the town and attempt to break the encirclement before it tightened further.
On 30 October 1899, the British garrison launched a sortie from Ladysmith against the surrounding Boer forces. The operation failed badly: the main British body was driven back into the town, and an isolated detachment of approximately 800 men was compelled to surrender to Commandant De Wet.
Rather than exploiting their victory by advancing on the strategically vital port of Durban, the Boers instead laid siege to Ladysmith. The siege lasted 118 days before being relieved, tying down significant British forces and becoming one of the defining episodes of the early war.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
De Wet (Commandant).