In 1899 the Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, declared war on the British forces. Enthusiastic civilians throughout the Australian colonies volunteered for service, supported by their respective colonial governments. After Federation Commonwealth units were also mobilised. Others who were unable to join Colonial or Commonwealth units enlisted in forces raised by other nations including Britain and South Africa. The first joint colonial regiment, the Australian Regiment, was formed from companies representing Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The British gradually wore down Boer resistance, and peace was declared on 31 May 1902. Over 15,000 Australians served in the Boer War. Australian casualties totalled about 1400, with 518 killed. Six Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery. Children in schools around the different colonies of Australia (this was prior to Federation) raised money to hold Peace picnics. Wodonga's Peace picnic was held at the racecourse. Only about 70 of these medallions were struck. They were presented to the children who raised the most money for the Peace picnic in each area.This artefact has local, national and international significance as it recognises the first major international conflict in which Australian colonial soldiers were involved,A small medallion issued in commemoration of peace at the end of the Boer War. There is a hole through the top so that it can be attached to a chain or clip.OBVERSE SIDE: At centre within line circle veiled head of Queen Victoria facing left, at top of circle, crown, at sides Australian and Royal flags; below, WODONGA 1900 REVERSE SIDE: Within wreath, IN / COMMEMORATION / OF / PEACE / BRITISH BOER / WAR / "LEST WE FORGET"australian commemorative medals, boer war 1899 - 1902, boer war peace medallion

Frederick Roberts was the son of Field Marshall Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts. At the age of 27 he went with the King's Rifles to the Second Boer War. During battle he, with two officers tried to assist and save guns when the detachments serving the guns had all become casualties or been driven away. While doing this Roberts fell badly wounded and 2 days later died. Commander-in-Chief Redvers Buller recommended Roberts for the Victoria Cross. Confirmation of the award made after his death. Roberts and his father were one of only three father son pairs to win the Victoria Cross. His father's was in 1858.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.frederick roberts, field marshall roberts, king's rifles, second boer war, redvers buller, south africa

Ladysmith is a city in the Uthukela District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In 1847 after buying the land from the Zulu King Mpande, a number of Boers settled in the area and called it the Republic of Klip River. The Republic was annexed by the British in the same year and on 20 June 1850 it was proclaimed a township called Windsor. In October 1850 the name changed to Ladysmith after Juana Maria de los Delores de Leon Smith, also known was "Lady Smith", the Spanish wife of Sir Harry Smith, the Governor of the Cape Colony. He was also High Commissioner in South Africa from 1847 to 1852. A for was built in 1860 to protect the villagers from the Zulu. During the Second Boer War British commander Lieutenant General Sir George White made Ladysmith his centre of operations for the protection of Natal against the Boer forces. A number of short lived battles were fought for the control of the town. After suffering many casualties the British retreated to Ladysmith. While the British regrouped in the town, Boer forces surrounded Ladysmith. The siege lasted 118 days during one of the most crucial stage of the war. Three attempts by General Sir Redvers Buller to break the siege resulted in defeat for the British forces at the Battles of Colenso, Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz. The Boer forces attempted to break the siege. This led to the Battle of Platrand, or Wagon Hill, south the town. Buller finally broke the siege in February 1900 after defeating the Boers. Sir Winston Churchill, a young war correspondent was present at the Relief of Ladysmith after having been taken prisoner - between Ladysmith and Colenso - and escaping earlier during the war.Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.ladysmith, south africa, zulu, boers, republic of klip river, windsor, lady smith, sir harry smith, governor, cape colony, high commissioner, sir george white, natal, siege of ladysmith, sir redvers buller, battle of colenso, battle of platrand, sir winston churchill, wagon hill