Redvers Buller was born in Devon in England on 7 December 1839. He was educated at Eton and started his military career in the 60th Rifles.
During the Anglo-Zulu War he was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at the battle of Hlobane.
At the outbreak of the South African War (1899-1902) he was sent to Natal as Commander of the Natal Field Force.
After being defeated at the Battle of Colenso, he was replaced in January 1900 as overall commander in South Africa by Lord Roberts.
He suffered more setbacks in his attempts to relieve Ladysmith at the Battles of Spioen Kop and Vaal Krantz before relieving Ladysmith on 28 February 1900.
His last major involvement in the war, before returning to the U.K., was the Battle of Bergendal, the war’s last set-piece action.
