1-148-812 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Leander Starr Jameson, Scottish-born South African politician, c1900. A friend of Cecil Rhodes, Jameson (1853-1917) was the leader of the 'Jameson Raid' on 29 December 1895 to 2 January 1896. The aim of raid was to initiate rebellion in Johannesburg by British settlers or 'Uitlanders'. It was sponsored by Rhodes, Prime Minister of the Cape Colony and managing director of the British South Africa Company. Jameson (1852-1917) and his troop of 500 were overwhelmed by the Boers and forced to surrender. The resultant furore led to the resignation of Rhodes as Prime Minister, but the raid was a significant factor in provoking the outbreak of the Boer War three years later.