The Relief of Ladysmith



 

On the 28th February 1900, General Roberts finally relieved Ladysmith. For four months the inhabitants had suffered severe hardship but the British garrison had held out despite many Boer attacks. Serious shortages of food and an increase in sickness rates made the situation extremely difficult. In desperation, horse meat became the order of the day.

After much fighting in the surrounding hills, The Border Regiment, as part of General Hart's Brigade, were part of the relieving force. Within our collections we have a pink sash emblazoned with the words 'RELIEF OF LADYSMITH' followed by the February date, the surnames of the two Generals (White was besieged with his Natal Field Force in Ladysmith and Buller after trying several attempts to relieve the garrison, finally broke through), and 'Border Regiment.'   The Relief was celebrated all over the British Empire and back in England, flags were hung from public buildings, bonfires lit and some children were given a half day holiday from school.

The sash is on display in one of the Museum's display cases, its colour vivid amongst the collections on display. This little piece of printed material doesn't highlight the difficulties the 13,500 inhabitants, including regular soldiers and civilians, suffered, but the fact it has been specially printed showcases the feeling at the victorious relief. 

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