"In 1900, when British music-hall artistes were dressing up in spectacular military uniforms to perform patriotic songs, the Australian-born Baritone, Hamilton Hill, in ordinary civilian evening dress, captivated London audiences with his rendering of "Goodbye Dolly Gray". A speedy victory was expected but the Boer war began badly for Britain and the British strongholds of Kimberley, Mafeking and Ladysmith were besieged by the Boers. When the relief of Mafeking was anounced in May 1900 the favourite heroine of the cheering crowds was New York's Dolly Gray"
(song written by Will D. Cobb and composed by Paul Barnes 1898)