Mafeking 1900

the long version

The Siege of Mafeking remains one of the most famous actions of the Second Boer War, with the British Army defeating a Boer force of over 8,000 men with only 1,500 troops. The town of Mafeking was designated a central location due to its rail connections and Robert Baden-Powell decided to trial his theory of defence rather than attack here. He hold up his troops in Mafeking, fortifying the city for a siege that would last for 217 days. 800 men held Mafeking, supported by a cadet corps of 12 to 15 year olds who later inspired the Scouting Movement. The town withheld attack from the Boers agains.