Mafeking was the longest and the most controversial of the three sieges
that began the South African War in 1899. Lasting 217 days, the Siege of
Mafeking brought a highly charismatic leader to public attention and
involved some controversial practices.While of little military
significance, the relief of Mafeking produced unprecedented celebrations
across Britain and much of its empire. Sustained over several days, such
rejoicings led to the creation the verb to maffick, meaning to celebrate
both extravagantly and publicly. Such rejoicing reflected not only the
build up of emotions during the South African War, but also how Mafeking
revived memories of imperial siege histories over the previous fifty
years.In this illuminating account of the siege and its aftermath,
Edward M. Spiers, a leading authority on Victorian military history,
provides fresh insights on the conduct of the siege and its relief. He
draws new material from some 120 letters, diary extracts, interviews,
and speeches by soldiers and civilians - all uncensored, unlike the
press reporting from Mafeking. He rebalances arguments about the command
of Baden-Powell, reviews civil-military relations within Mafeking,
examines the impact, both physical and psychological, of the most
intensive shelling of the war, and accounts for the successful defence
and relief of a small, isolated frontier town, bereft of natural
defences and effective artillery.
