Queenslanders in the South African War, 1899 - 1902
When war broke out between Great Britain and the Boer States (Orange Free State and South African Republic [Transvaal]) on 11th October 1899, Australian colonial governments were quick to respond.
Indeed, Queensland was the first colony to offer volunteers, 3 months before the war began. Queenslanders provided some unique contributions to the war. Queensland was the only colony whose men were mounted from the outset, Queenslanders were the only Australians at the relief of Mafeking, and in a war of horsemen, Queensland sent volunteers of the Queensland Cycle Corps, riding their Massey cycles into action.
It is not often remembered that when this great nation of ours was born on the 1st January 1901, we were at war.
The six unfederated Colonies, and later the Commonwealth of Australia, sent 16,423 troops and 16,357 horses to South Africa, Queensland's contribution being 2,913 men and 3,209 horses. Ninety-two Queenslanders lost their lives.
- Queensland Contingents : Names of contingents and numbers of soldiers and horses
- Database : to search by name of soldier
- Exhibition : illustrating the Queensland contribution to the South African War effort
Last updated: 18th April 2008
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