Boot and Saddle by JG Gilberd

Boer War

The Boer War began on 12 October 1899 when General Jambet led his Transvaal men into Natal at Laings Nek. The campaign extended over three years. Correspondents of the day said if it had not been for the presence of mounted troops from the Colonies, the war may never have been won.

New Zealand's Involvement

Soon after hostilities broke out there was a rush of volunteers wishing to serve in South Africa. The Imperial Government was eager to accept mounted men and particularly horses from this country. The Defence Department was asked to come up with a scheme, bearing in mind the Secretary of State's minutes based on information from South Africa. The scheme proposed was:

Troops to be organised into units of about 125 men.
Units may consist of Cavalry or Infantry.
All troops to be armed with .303 rifles or carbines.
Cavalry to provide their own horses, saddles, etc. (After the 2nd Contingent the War Office equipped subsequent drafts).
Not more than one Captain plus three subalterns should accompany each unit. Where more than one unit was despatched by the Colony the whole force to be commanded by a Major.

However, there was a debate in the House of Representatives regarding New Zealand's commitment to the War. Some members suggesting the best assistance we could offer the Mother Country would be horses, saddles, bridles and general stores - adding there were many willing volunteers already in South Africa but they lacked horses, arms and other equipment. Mr Seddon overruled these suggestions and Parliament approved the scheme put forward by the Defence Authorities. Accordingly plans were made for the assembly, equipping and the training of mounted rifle contingents. In all New Zealand despatched 6,575 men, 8,075 horses, plus a four-gun Hotchkiss horse-drawn battery. Major Robin (later G.O.C.) commanded the New Zealanders in South Africa.

Jim Gilberd, 1989

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