Clash of Steel
for Military History & Aviation enthusiasts

Translate this Page

Search :

Kimberly, The Relief of


Battle Name : Kimberly, The Relief of

Date(s) : 10 February 1900 - 15 February 1900

Part of : The 2nd Boer War (or Three Years War) ,

Outcome : A victory for British Colonial forces over Boer forces

Type of battle : Land

Summary

Lord Roberts, forced by Cecil Rhodes to relieve Kimberly as soon as possible, sent Lieutenant-General John French and his cavalry on a wide flanking march at great speed. They brushed aside any attempt by the Boers to prevent them approaching, and broke through the besieging troops to reach the town but Roberts' cavalry were spent by the effort. Many horses collapsed with exhaustion and of the 5,000 French began the march with, only 1,500 were fit for further duty 2 days after the relief.