Nature of the British army - Organisation and tactics

Question 1

How did Boer generals work?

Answer 1

planned their own campaigns
e.g. Christian de Wet + Louis Botha

• assisted by expert guides to scout trails & river crossings

Question 2

In contrast how did the British generals struggle?

Answer 2

initially lacked local knowledge
+ Boer residents in Br colonies unwilling to help
+ Boer territory locals were often hostile

Question 3

What did the British lack?

Answer 3

general staff organisation

Question 4

What was the problem with having no general staff organisation?

Answer 4

• commanders newly arrived in SA were ill-prepared
• inaccurate maps
• didn’t know how to find/fight Boers as little knowledge

Question 5

Why did the Br have no general staff organisation?

Answer 5

Br assumed the Boers would surrender as soon as they saw the strength opposing them

Question 6

What was the main problem for the British?

Answer 6

an outdated tactical approach
- infantry, cavalry, artillery

Question 7

What was the Br tactical approach?

Answer 7

• infantry line & volley
• new Lee Enfield rifles (fastest firing)
• horse-drawn artillery & machine guns

= firepower expected to overwhelm the Boers (had worked in Sudan vs. Mahdi’s army)

Question 8

How did the Boers shatter the Br tactical approach?

Answer 8

1899 - siege attacks on key towns
= Br infantry suffered losses in frontal attacks
= neither cavalry nor artillery came up to expectations