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The Relief Of Ladysmith Oil Painting By J.H.F. Bacon.

Colour photograph of an oil painting showing two men, mounted and in battle uniform, shake hands to the accolades of cheering mounted soldiers with caps raised and an onlooking group of civilians.

Source: National Army Museum, London

The Siege of Ladysmith was one of the most famous incidents of the Second Boer War (1899–1902). Following initial successes against the invading Boers at Talana and Elandslaagte (October 20-21, 1899), Lieutenant-General (later Field Marshal) Sir George White (1835–1912), commanding the Natal Field Force, was driven back. White concentrated his forces at the strategic town of Ladysmith, where he was besieged by Boers.

General Sir Redvers Buller (1838–1908) and his troops finally relieved the town on 28 February 1900. In this painting by J.H.F. Bacon, which may not depict an actual event, White shakes hands with Colonel (later Lieutenant-General) Lord Douglas Hamilton (1852–1935), 12th Earl Dundonald, representing Buller’s relieving force.