In early June, Boer forces intensified their efforts to capture Ladysmith, a strategically significant fortress in the Natal region of South Africa. This location had been under siege since October of the previous year. The attack came in the context of the Second Boer War, a conflict driven by tensions between the British Empire and Boer republics over control of territories rich in resources, particularly gold and diamonds. The British troops, stationed in Ladysmith, were aware that the town's fall would severely impact British military operations in the region.

On this day, the Boers launched a direct assault against the British defenders, employing artillery and infantry tactics that had been honed over months of engagement. The British troops, led by General Sir George White, were well-prepared and had fortified their positions. They utilized both traditional military tactics and modern weaponry to effectively repel the assault, showcasing their resilience against Boer aggression. The position of Ladysmith, surrounded by mountains and strategically placed, allowed British forces to maintain an advantage despite being besieged for months.

The engagement ended with the Boers retreating from their assault, facing heavy casualties and logistical setbacks while the British stood firm. The resilience of the British garrison at Ladysmith would later become a symbol of British determination and military capability during the prolonged conflict. This particular moment in the broader war served to bolster British morale amidst the challenges they faced in South Africa, setting the stage for future engagements in the region, including the eventual relief of Ladysmith later that month.