Boer War Carnival float, Alton, 1901

Boer War Carnival float, Alton, 1901

A photograph showing a decorated cart celebrating the capture of Bloemfontein, Johannesburg and Pretoria in the Boer War, Alton, Hampshire. Photograph taken in 1900.

The outbreak of war with the Boers in South Africa on 11th October 1899 was quickly followed by a number of military disasters. However, the Following year saw the relief of Kimberly, Ladysmith and Mafeking and the capture of Bloemfontein, Johannesburg and Pretoria. In Alton, a carnival was arranged for 12th July 1901 with the object of helping the Daily Telegraph Widows and Orphans Fund and £96 was raised for the appeal. There was a parade of floats and this one was entered by Messrs J H & E Dyer, builder of Alton.

Photograph, sepia, showing a decorated cart for a local carnival, Alton, Hampshire, 1900