
4 0 c m
31cm
actual image size: 23cm x 32cm
Description
Wash drawing by Ralph Geaver. An original wash drawing showing a military balloon during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). The siege of Ladysmith by the Boers lasted from 1 November, 1899 until 28 February, 1900. Some 20,000 soldiers and civilians were besieged in the town, a railway junction surrounded by hills. Shortages of food and fresh water, particularly after the Boers cut off the water supply to the town, caused some 60 % of the casualties suffered by the defenders during the siege. Ladysmith was finally relieved after 118 days by a force commanded by General Redvers Buller, after two previous attempts had resulted in defeats at Colenso and Spion Kop. Artwork commisioned by Illustrated London News for reproduction.
Image Details
Image Ref.
10303567
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library