Kimberley (Second Boer War).
This town, defended by a garrison of 4,000 (including armed townsmen) under Colonel Kekewich, was besieged October 15, 1899, by the Boers, under Commandant Wessels, and later under General Cronje. It withstood a severe and continuous bombardment till February 15, 1900, when it was relieved by a force of cavalry, 5,000 strong, under General French. The losses of the garrison during the siege amounted to 18 officers and 163 men.