The Battle of Paardeberg was a pivotal engagement during the Second Boer War, primarily fought between British Imperial forces and the Boer commandos in February 1900. The first day of this battle, often referred to as 'Bloody Sunday', saw the British forces suffer their most catastrophic single-day loss. British troops, under the command of General Lord Methuen, faced off against the entrenched positions of the Boer forces led by General Piet Cronjé. The British strategy to mount a direct assault against a well-fortified enemy proved disastrous, as their advance was met with fierce resistance and heavy gunfire. The day would end with an estimated 1,600 British soldiers wounded or killed, highlighting the steep learning curve the Imperial forces faced in adopting to Boer warfare tactics.

The setting was critical; the Boers were skilled in using the terrain to their advantage, making it exceedingly difficult for the British forces to mount a successful offensive. As the battle progressed, the British command quickly recognized the need for a more calculated approach, pivoting from frontal assaults to a more encirclement-focused strategy. This realization, although dawning after severe losses, eventually contributed to evolving tactics that the British would employ throughout the remainder of the conflict. Reports of the day's events galvanized public opinion back in Britain and became pivotal in shaping military strategies in later engagements.