Kindly provided by Malcolm McCarthy
So much excitement that the camera had been shaken.
Mafeking was a name on everyone's mind in the days of the Boer War. Today it may possibly be known, but I doubt is taught in schools. The Jameson Raid began from Mafeking in Bechuanaland, Cape Province in 1896. During the war with The Boers, Mafeking became under Siege, beginning 13th October 1899 and lasted until 17th May 1900. During that time the defences were handled under the command of Colonel R S S Baden-Powell; his 800 strong force with rifles stood against 10,000 Boers armed with breech-loaders; despite shell attacks, the town was only penetrated once. Then came an event that was spoken of in reverence since, and that was the Relief of Mafeking, by Colonel Mahon and Colonel Plumer; losses were 35 of the garrison and over 300 Boers. The release at home at the saving of British soldiers resulted in total elation and a new verb was born to maffick to describe the emotion. As a child, I was still used to hearing expressions that included it was like the Relief of Mafeking .
