Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > National Army Museum
British soldiers lying prone, Modder River, South Africa, 1899 (b / w photo)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Fine Art Finder
British soldiers lying prone, Modder River, South Africa, 1899 (b / w photo)
5920842 British soldiers lying prone, Modder River, South Africa, 1899 (b/w photo) by Underwood & Underwood (c.1881-1940); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: On the fighting Line with the Queens 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 Methuens 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.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 25152288
© National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
Equipment Infantry Tactics Tactics
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> South Africa
> Cape Town
> Africa
> South Africa
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Fire Brigade
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> London Fire Brigade Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> National Army Museum
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> British Museum
> Fine Art Finder
> Artists
> Underwood & Underwood
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a powerful moment in history - British soldiers lying prone on the battlefield at Modder River, South Africa in 1899. The image, taken by Underwood & Underwood, showcases the bravery and resilience of these soldiers during the Boer War. The Battle of Modder River was a significant event as Lord Methuen's column attempted to relieve the besieged town of Kimberley. As they advanced towards the river, hidden Boers opened fire, forcing most of the British troops to throw themselves flat on the veld without any cover. Throughout the day, these brave soldiers remained under heavy enemy fire. Although ultimately a victory for the British forces when Piet Cronje withdrew his force after being threatened from their flank, this battle demonstrated that unsupported infantry could not successfully execute frontal attacks against an entrenched enemy armed with bolt-action rifles. This photograph is part of a collection titled "South African War through the Stereoscope Pt 2 Vol 1" published by Underwood and Underwood in 1900. It serves as a poignant reminder of both the sacrifices made by these soldiers and their unwavering dedication to duty. Displayed at London's National Army Museum, this image allows us to reflect upon one chapter in our shared military history and pay tribute to those who fought bravely during this tumultuous time.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
