Historical information

The Second Boer War saw attempted application of bombardment as an alternative to the use of ground forces. In most battles fought during the conflict this was proved not to be possible. There was competition from the other side's ability to take evasive measures. The opponent was able to use cover to protect himself and hide his position. This was the tactic used against the British at the Battle of Magersfontein and the Battle of Colenso.
The British had success when they ceased using artillery by itself and used it in conjunction with infantry. British General Buller linked the use of artillery and the movement of infantry in continuous interlocking assaults upon each hill south of Ladysmith. As soon as shelling had finished in a location the infantry moved. The front collapsed on the 27 February 1900 when use was made of a creeping curtain of shell fire sent over the heads of advancing infantry destroying everything 100 yards ahead of them. It was this tactic of the creeping barrage that has been described as "revolutionary'.

Physical description

Individual image from photographed poster of tobacco and cigarette cards.