The siege of Mafeking began on October 13, 1899, when Boer forces surrounded the British garrison stationed in the town. Mafeking, a strategic point in the region, became a symbol of British resistance during the Second Boer War. The commander of the garrison, Colonel Robert Baden-Powell, earned acclaim for his leadership during the long siege, which included shortages of food and morale challenges among the defenders. The siege lasted for 217 days, and its prolonged nature attracted considerable attention back in Britain, leading to calls for a relief effort.

In May 1900, various British forces converged to relieve Mafeking. The relief column, which included units from Cape Colony, prepared to engage the Boer forces. As the column approached, skirmishes broke out, and a series of tactical maneuvers were executed to engage and push back the entrenched Boer defenders. The British forces managed to breach the Boer lines just outside Mafeking on May 17, culminating in the relief of the town two days later.

The arrival of British troops was met with jubilation from the beleaguered residents and soldiers in Mafeking. The relief of the town became a celebrated moment within the context of the ongoing Second Boer War, representing a morale boost for British forces and the Empire at large. The event not only showcased the tactical capabilities of the British military but also highlighted the resilience of the defenders and the desperation of the situation they faced during the prolonged siege.