British soldiers lying prone, Modder River, South Africa, 1899 (b/w photo)

‘On the fighting Line with the Queen’s bravest, Modder River, South Africa’, 1899. Stereoscopic photograph, Boer War, 1899 circa. The Battle of Modder River on 28 November 1899 was something of a pyrrhic victory for Lord Methuen’s column which was attempting to relieve the besieged town of Kimberley in the northern Cape. At the start of the battle many British troops had advanced to within 1,200 yards (1,100 m) of the river when the hidden Boers opened fire. Most of the soldiers were forced to throw themselves flat as there was no cover on the veld. They had to remain under fire in the open for most of the day. It was only when the 9th Brigade crossed the river downstream and threatened his flank that the Boer commander Piet Cronje withdrew his force. Although a British victory, the casualties they sustained at the Modder demonstrated the impossibility of a frontal attack by unsupported infantry against an entrenched enemy using bolt-action rifles. From a box of 89 stereoscopic cards entitled, ‘South African War through the Stereoscope Pt 2 Vol 1', published by Underwood and Underwood, and produced by Works and Sun Sculpture Studios, 1900 circa.