The Second Boer War, 1899-1902 Flashcards
What were the names of the two Boer Republics?
The Transvaal and the Orange Free State
When did Britain go to war against the Boers (for the 2nd time)?
1899
Where had men and officers gained experience before the 2nd Boer War?
In Colonial Wars
What were 3 problems in the army’s preparation for the 2nd Boer War?
Ammunition shortage
Understaffed departments
Intelligence work was inadequate
How many men were in the Boer Army in 1899?
<60,000
What was any adult male Boer citizen expected to join?
A Commando unit (with their own weapon and horse)
When was the first Boer War?
1880-81
What rifle did the Boers use?
the Mauser rifle
Who established a base at Ladysmith in October 1899?
Sir White
who was besieged in Mafeking with 1200 men?
Colonel Baden-Powell
How many Boers besieged Mafeking?
7000 Boers besieged Mafeking
When was the diamond-mining town of Kimberley besieged?
November 1899
(by 7500 Boers)
How many Boers besieged Kimberley?
7500
Who arrived in Cape Town at the end of October 1899?
General Sir Redvers Buller
Who led each of the 3 detachments of Buller’s army?
General Lord Methuen
General Gatacre
General Sir Redvers Buller
How many men did Lord Methuen take to attempt to relieve Mafeking and Kimberly?
20,000 men
How many men did Buller’s main force have - heading to relieve Ladysmith?
30,000 men
When did Methuen win two small but costly battles at Belmont and Graspan? On his way to relieve Kimberley and Mafeking
Belmont - 23rd November 1899
Graspan - 25th November 1899
When was Methuen defeated and where?
Methuen was defeated at Modder River on the 28th November 1899
When was Black Week?
10-15th December 1899
What happened on December 10th 1899?
General Gatacre lost more than 700 men trying to take Stormberg railway junction
What happened on December 11th 1899?
Lord Methuen suffered 900 casualties at Magersfontein. He also failed to relieve Kimberley as this was postponed
What happened on December 15th 1899?
Buller tried to cross the Tugela river at Colenso - he faced 8000 Boers and had 21,000 men yet his force suffered 1400 casualties to only 8 Boer casualties
How many men were in the British Army in South Africa in December 1899?
84,000
Who replaced Buller as commander in 1900?
Lord Roberts