Battle of Ladysmith

Battle of Ladysmith
Part of Second Boer War
Date 30 October 1899 Location Ladysmith (also known as uMnambithi), Colony of Natal Result Boer victory
Belligerents
United Kingdom	South African Republic  Orange Free State
Commanders and leaders
George Stuart White	Petrus Jacobus Joubert Louis Botha Christiaan De Wet
Strength
12,500	21,000 24 field guns 4 heavy guns
Casualties and losses
400 killed or wounded 800 captured	200

The Battle of Ladysmith was one of the early engagements of the Second Boer War. A large British force which had concentrated at the garrison town of Ladysmith launched a sortie on 30 October 1899, against Boer armies which were slowly surrounding the town. The result was a disaster for the British. The main body was driven back into the town, and an isolated detachment of 800 men was forced to surrender to Commandant De Wet. The Boers did not follow up their advantage by proceeding towards the strategically important port of Durban, and instead began a siege of Ladysmith, which was relieved after 118 days. John Norwood was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the battle.