1-153-570 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage Images

'The Eleventh Hour', Siege of Mafeking, South Africa, Boer War, 1900. Under the command of Colonel Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941), Mafeking held out against the surrounding Boers for 216 days until relieved by forces commanded by Lord Roberts on 17 May 1900. Baden-Powell is shown encouraging Mafeking to hold on, pointing to a telegram from Roberts promising to break the siege by 18 May. Cartoon from "Punch", 9 May 1900.