General History of the Boer War

Stereo View For Empire Queen and Flag - Canadians at Cape Town, S.A. [F.S.282.200]

Prior to Britain's declaration of war against the Boers in southern Africa in October 1899, Canada as a dominion in the British Empire was not considered a significant military power. It is true that most major Canadian cities of any size had a militia regiment. When possible, large cities had an armory to house the regiment, to carry out training and on occasion, hold the regular mess functions and regimental balls. The regiment was part of the social fabric of the community, a place for young men to direct their military ambitions, and have a chance to wear their regimental uniforms. The role of the militia was to provide aid to the civil power and home defense. This role expanded with the advent of the Boer War. For the first time, Canada sent military forces overseas, led by their own officers in autonomous units under the overall command of British senior officers in the field. Canada's service in South Africa not only fostered a new Canadian nationalism but was as well preparation for Canada's major role in the 1914-18 European conflict.

Stereo View The Britan's Bravest charge the Kopjes [F.S.282.279]

Sir Wilfred Laurier was Canada's Prime Minister; Queen Victoria still ruled over Britain and her Empire. Joseph Chamberlain was Secretary of State for Colonial Affairs in the Cabinet of Lord Salisbury. Chamberlain encouraged support from the colonies for the British position in South Africa, not so much for the manpower but rather for the appearance of colonial solidarity and to convince the European powers of the legitimacy of Britain's war with the Boers. "By offering soldiers spontaneously and enthusiastically, the colonies would also demonstrate to a skeptical and hostile Europe the British Empire's reserve strength."

On October 3, 1899 the Colonial Office requested that Canada provide a contingent of four units of 250 men each. The units were to be ready to sail for South Africa by October 31st. Authorization to commence recruitment was issued to the Military Districts by October 14, and by October 30, the various recruiting stations across the country were successful. In fact, in many cases the recruitment stations had to turn away volunteers. The recruits were assembled at Quebec, 1,110 volunteers, including four nurses, four reporters, and twenty-three surplus officers. They were all crowded aboard the troop transport, SS Sardinian. The official designation of the contingent was 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel William Otter.

Stereo View Loyal to the Mother Country - Canadian fighters for British Supremacy, Cape Town S.A [F.S.282.280]

The contingent arrived in Cape Town, November 30, 1899. They were to spend the next two months in intensive training so that they would be able to hold their own along side of the British regiments.