The Battle of Magersfontein took place on December 11, 1899, during the Second Boer War. It was fought between British forces and the Boer army, primarily composed of soldiers from the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. The British aimed to relieve the besieged town of Kimberley but were met with strong Boer defenses positioned on a ridge. The battle resulted in a significant defeat for the British, with heavy casualties due to the effective Boer tactics and use of cover. This engagement highlighted the challenges faced by the British military in the war and contributed to a shift in their strategy in subsequent battles.