Australians and New Zealanders at Klerksdorp, 24 March 1901

The furious moment depicted in this painting occurred during an action near Klerksdorp in the Transvaal, about 160 kilometres south-west of Johannesburg, during Lord Metheun's operations in the district after the fall of Klerksdorp itself, against the forces of Boer General De la Rey. This art work was inspired by an illustration by British military artist R Caton Woodville, which appeared in 'The Illustrated London News'. Field Marshal Paul Sanford Methuen (Lord Metheun) (1845–1932) was a British Army officer, who took a prominent role as General Officer Commanding the 1st Division in the Second Boer War. General Jacobus Herculaas de la Rey (1847–1914), known as Koos de la Rey, was a Boer general during the Second Boer War and is widely regarded as the bravest of the Boer generals and as one of the leading figures of Boer independence. Charles Edward Bruges Hammond (1870-1953) was born in London, England but in 1887 sailed to Melbourne. Along with his brother, Bert, Charles started an art and photography studio in Melbourne, supplementing their incomes with farm work in both Australia and New Zealand at various times. Charles also contributed illustrations for newspapers, magazines and a popular series of postcards.