South Africa – Boer War Siege of Beaconsfield Children’s Medal 1901 – the obverse; Roman Goddess Pax extending an olive branch in her right hand, cradling a cornucopia in her left and standing on a small plinth Legend. Children’s Medal presented by the Town Council. Reverse; Coat of Arms of Beaconsfield. Legend. Siege of Beaconsfield 14th October to 15th February 1900. White Metal size 38mm. Note: At the outset of the South African War the residential township of Beaconsfield and the town of Kimberly, were besieged by Boer forces because of local diamond mining and their strategic location on the railway line from the Cape to the north. The siege lasted for four months without surrender before relief came from British cavalry led by General French. The medal was commissioned by the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Mr. J.M. Pratley. The white metal medal was presented to the children of all races in the township. The presentation ceremony was delayed until the end of 1901 because of the continued war; even then the “Peace” celebrated by the medal was still several months away.