On this day - 31 May

The second Boer War took place from October 11th 1899 until peace was reached on May 31st 1902. The war was between the two factions of South Africa, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State, and the British Empire. The war started when British settlements that had formed following the gold rush were attacked by Boer militia forces. The majority of the casualties during the war were due to disease rather than battle injuries.

Colonial forces from Rhodesia and volunteers from other areas of the British Empire joined the British forces. The unpopularity of the war worldwide led to numerous neutral parties volunteering to help the Boer forces. The war ended when the British offered surrender terms to the Boer which were accepted.