Origin
Boer Republics
The South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State, the two independent states founded by the Boers, the Dutch-descended farmers who trekked inland from the Cape in the 1830s. Their citizen commandos, mounted riflemen who brought their own horses and guns, fought Britain twice and bought Mauser rifles and Creusot and Krupp artillery from Europe before the second war.
Battles & Operations
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Battle of Majuba Hill (27 February 1881)
The Battle of Majuba Hill was fought on 27 February 1881 on the Natal-Transvaal border, the last action of the First Boer War.… Continued…
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Battle of Colenso (15 December 1899)
The Battle of Colenso was fought on 15 December 1899 on the Tugela River in Natal, the third British defeat of Black Week. General Sir… Continued…
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Battle of Magersfontein (11 December 1899)
The Battle of Magersfontein was fought on 11 December 1899 south of Kimberley, the second British defeat of Black Week. Lord Methuen's… Continued…
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Siege of Mafeking (13 October 1899 – 17 May 1900)
The Siege of Mafeking lasted 217 days, from 13 October 1899 to 17 May 1900, the longest siege of the Second Boer War. Colonel Robert… Continued…
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Battle of Paardeberg (18 – 27 February 1900)
The Battle of Paardeberg was fought on the Modder River in the Orange Free State from 18 to 27 February 1900, Britain's first great victory… Continued…
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Battle of Spion Kop (23 – 24 January 1900)
The Battle of Spion Kop was fought on 23-24 January 1900 on the Tugela Heights in Natal, during Buller's second attempt to relieve… Continued…
Weapons
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Creusot 155 mm Long Tom
The Long Tom was the British name for the four 155 mm Creusot siege guns that the Transvaal bought from France in 1897 for the forts around… Continued…
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Mauser Model 1895
The Mauser Model 1895 was the rifle of the Boer commandos in the Second Boer War. A German-made 7 mm bolt-action with a five-round magazine… Continued…
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QF 1-pounder Pom-Pom
The pom-pom was a Maxim machine gun enlarged to fire a one-pound 37 mm explosive shell, the first automatic cannon to see war. Named by… Continued…