DEFENCE OF KIMBERLEY, 1899-1900

This battle honour is borne only by the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. The importance of holding fast to Kimberley, the headquarters of the diamond industry in South Africa, was, of course, early recognized by the authorities at the Cape; but, owing to the extent of territory we had to guard and the paucity of the troops at his disposal, Sir Forestier Walker was only able to spare a half-battalion of regulars for the garrison of this extremely valuable centre. Its command was entrusted to Colonel Kekewich, of the old 47th Foot. His position was one of great delicacy, for the uncrowned King of South Africa, the Right Honourable Cecil Rhodes, judged it his duty to undergo the perils of the siege. The gigantic intellect of Mr. Rhodes and his independence of character did not lend itself to a due appreciation of the military situation. He fretted at the action of the officers in supreme command. At the same time, he showed unexampled generosity in assisting the civilians who were beleaguered with him, and spent money like water in furthering all plans for the defence of the town which met with his approval. The population of the place was upwards of 40,000, of whom no less than 35,000 were natives. To feed these and to guard the long perimeter from attack taxed the slender resources of the brave commander to the uttermost. The force at his disposal consisted of one company of Garrison Artillery, four companies North Lancashire Regiment, Diamond Field Artillery (six guns), Kimberley Infantry, Diamond Field Horse, Kimberley Horse, numbering in all some 1,200 men. From the declaration of war on October 12, 1899, until the relief by General French on February 16, 1900, the town was closely besieged. The civilian element suffered but little from the desultory bombardment, nor were the casualties amongst the garrison abnormally heavy.

Casualties at the Defence of Kimberley.