An assessment of the British offensive during the Anglo-Boer War, 16 December 1899-10 February 1900

Abstract

The period from 16 December 1899 (i.e. the day after the last of the British "Black Week" defeats) until 10 February 1900 (i.e. the day before Lord Roberts implemented his elaborate indirect strategy) is still part of the second main phase of the Anglo-Boer War (i.e. the first British offensive), but can also be regarded as a transitional phase. On 17 December General Sir Redvers Buller was replaced as commander-in-chief of the British forces in South Africa by Lord Roberts, but the latter only arrived in South Africa on 10 January 1900. Even then, Buller stayed on as commanding officer of the Natal Army, and continued his efforts to relieve Ladysmith. In the meantime, Roberts planned his campaign, interfering as little as possible with Buller in Natal.