The Boer war was noted for a number of innovations. It was the first war where accurate to 2,000 metres
Mauser rifles (Boer side only), with smokeless ammunition and antiseptic surgery were employed.
Combatants could be taken out at long range without their enemies working out
where the shots came from, soldiers had a much better chance of surviving
wounds. With one side, the British, having force size definitely on their
side, the war soon transitioned from a series of set piece battles to a guerrilla
fight across a wide country. The barbed wire and entrenchments that would
stifle mobility were 15 years in the future; the combat was one of mobility by a
large force (the British) against a better armed (Mausers of varying types almost all using smokeless cartridges (Boers) vs
Martini Henry and .303 Lee Metford (Brits) some with smokeless cartridges) and skilful enemy (the Boers). Horse mounted
soldiers who used their horses for mobility but fought on foot were the most
combat capable arm. Cavalry units still carried their shock weapons, but
for the most part left their lances and swords with their horses, and fought on
foot with their rifles; infantry units were quickly mounted. Australian soldiers with their horsemanship and shooting
skills honed from infancy in a wide land where shooting was both a sport and a
profession were very effective.
This page lists the engagements and other events Australians were involved in by time line,
and shows an interactive map to help site visitors understand where the events
took place. Thanks very much to Major John Baines RFD,
the Royal Australian Armoured Corps Historian and Robin Droogleever for their
work in providing the information. This work has been edited and assembled
by the National Boer War Memorial Association Inc Webmaster; John Howells.
| Events by Time Line
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| Events by Location
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Mouse over the yellow site label to find out what happened there, then click to be
taken to a description of the event.
South Africa as it was in 1899
The red shading shows the border of the current Republic of South Africa
