'Gen French and staff examining Boer Laager, Rensburg, South Africa', 1900.

One of a boxed set of stereoscope photographs produced for sale to the general public by a profesional firm of photographers, Underwood and Underwood. The Second Boer War (1899-1902) was the first war to be covered comprehensively by both film and still photography. This was the result of improved technology in both photographic equipment and printing techniques; cameras were more portable and magazines reproduced half-tone photographs. During the Boer War General John French was a cavalry commander who cleared the Cape Colony of Boer forces as well as playing an important role in the relief of Kimberley in February 1900. He was commanded the British Expeditionary Force at the outset of World War I, but resigned in 1915.