The Experience of The Bitter-ender Boer in the Guerrilla Phase of the South African War

The first period of the war (from 11 October 1899) was the so-called setpiece battle phase. The Boer forces besieged Ladysmith in Natal, Kimberley in the Cape Colony and Mafeking in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The British forces strove to relieve their beleaguered garrisons in these towns. From their camouflaged positions the Boers scored impressive victories during this phase, such as at Magersfontein on 11 December 1899, Colenso four days later and Spion Kop on 24 January 1900. However, the tide turned as the Boer fronts collapsed in February–March 1900. The British relieved their besieged garrisons and the Commander-in-Chief, Lord Roberts, occupied the Boer capitals – Bloemfontein on 13 March and Pretoria on 5 June 1900. Lured by his promises of peace and protection many Boers surrendered.