THE DEFENCE OF MAFEKING Antique Historical Military Print

About this Item

c1900s SEPIA PRINT RARE ANTIQUE MILITARY BATTLESCENE ART PRINT COMES WITH FOLIO SIZE TISSUE THAT HAS ENGRAVINGS OF THE ARMS AND ARMOUR OF THE PERIOD BRITISH BATTLES THE DEFENCE OF MAFEKING - 1900 SCANS MINIMIZED TO FIT PAGE FROM THE DESCRIPTIVE TEXT ARTILLERY AND UNIFORMS OF THIS PERIOD LIGHT FIELD GUN COLONIAL TROOPER ENGLISH OFFICER OF INFANTRY SIEGE OF MAFEKING, 1900 A Memorable Defence FROM THE DECRIPTIVE TEXT : The defence of Mafeking is one of the most memorable incidents of the South African Campaign. This little hamlet, exposed on the wide veldt, hundreds of miles from the nearest garrison, seemed destined to fall into the enemies' hands. Yet for eight months its gallant defenders, directed and inspired by their ingenious and indefatigable leader, Baden-Powell, not only kept the flag fIying, but carried it into the ranks of the Boers. It was in the middle of October, 1898, that Cronje appeared before Mafeking, and invited it to surrender "in order to avoid bloodshed." "When is the bloodshed going to begin? was Baden-Powell's retort. The garrison of the town consisted of irregular troops, volunteers, and police, commanded by a few officers. They had no guns to oppose to the heavy artillery of the enemy, and had to endure in silence the long and harassing bombardment. From shell fire they had protection in the underground passages, and an admirable series of forts enabled them not merely to withstand, but to return the rifle fire. A Siege like that of Mafeking is not a continuous excitement. It has long periods of depressing dulness, in which the physical discomforts of confinement and want of proper food assert themselves, to the exclusion of every feeling of danger. A sortie or an assault acts like a strong stimulant upon the jaded nerves. Mafeking had several of these tonics. Before the month of October had passed Fitz Clarence and a hundred men had bayonetted the Boers in their trenches, and the enemy had been driven with loss from a kopje which they had assailed. In December an attack was made on a Boer fort, and fifty-three out of eighty who took part in this forlorn hope were killed or wounded. Thus the weary months dragged on. Now and then a ray of hope flashed from the dark clouds that had settled over South Africa. It was known that Plumer was marching from the north, and that help was coming from the south. But the brave soldier whose resource and gaiety were unfailing looked in vain across the veldt. As the tide of victory began to turn, Cronje was summoned to more urgent duties, and the investing force was reduced. But there was still under Snyman a body of men large enough to capture this prize, had they possessed one hundredth part of the courage and determination of their opponents. One attempt they made, and it was the last. On the 12th of May, just before dawn, Eloff, a grandson of Mr. Kruger, crept with three hundred picked men to the west of the village. Before any resistance could be offered, they had rushed and fired the native quarter, and had established themselves in the barracks of the Protectorate Regiment. Two other positions were carried within the defending lines, and Eloff, confident of victory, sent an exultant message to Baden-Powell. But Kruger's grandson had reckoned without his host. Before supports could be brought up, Etoff and his three hundred found themselves besieged by the besieged. As night approached the cordon drew tighter and tighter around them until their position became hopeless and Eloff surrendered. This was the last episode, for Mafeking was soon afterwards relieved by Colonel Mahon-and the whole of the British Empire rejoiced at the success which had rewarded the courage, endurance, and ingenuity of the little garrison and its chief. Henry Louis Dupray 1841-1909. French military artist Henry Dupray's military paintings, many of which were produced as small sepia prints PUBLISHED DATE c1890s . IMAGE SIZE: approx 11 1/2 in x 8 in - There is a border of 1/4 inch running. Seller Inventory # 6165

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE DEFENCE OF MAFEKING Antique Historical ...

Binding: no binding

Condition: very good