“Back from the jaws of Death”- Stories from the Anglo-Boer War

When considering the causes and consequences of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), it becomes clear that many visitors to the museum are relatively unfamiliar with this three-year conflict. This is especially true when compared to the two World Wars, which are extensively covered in British schools.

There are many complex reasons this occurred, quite like many of the wars and conflicts discussed in the museum, and to say there was only a few factors would be an understatement.  From British Imperial Ambitions to the discovery of gold and economic rivalry – it is a war whose consequences would ripples and effect the shape of South African history for decades to come. This year marks 125 years since the start of this war, and it is one that The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders did engage in.

Some key reasons for the outbreak of the war:

1. British Imperial Ambitions – The British Empire sought to consolidate its control over southern Africa, which was seen as strategically important. The British already controlled the Cape Colony and Natal, but the Boer republics were independent. Britain wanted to unify all of southern Africa under its rule to strengthen its global empire and safeguard strategic routes, especially to India. Tensions grew over Britain’s desire to reduce the independence of the Boer republics and bring them under British influence.

2. Discovery of Gold and Economic Rivalry – The discovery of gold in the Transvaal in 1886 dramatically increased the wealth and international significance of the Boer republics. This made the Transvaal much stronger and more influential, and it attracted foreign investment, especially from Britain. British imperialists were concerned about the economic power of the Boer republics and their ability to challenge British dominance in the region.

The influx of foreigners (mainly British, known as Uitlanders) to the goldfields exacerbated tensions. Many Uitlanders felt they were being unfairly taxed and politically marginalized by the Boer government. Britain used the plight of the Uitlanders as a pretext to intervene, claiming that they were being denied rights.

3. Boer Independence and British Interference – The Boers, mainly descendants of Dutch settlers, had fiercely maintained their independence from British rule. After the First Anglo-Boer War (1880–1881), the British had recognized the independence of the Transvaal, but British influence remained strong in southern Africa. The Boers, were determined to maintain their sovereignty and resist any British interference.

4. Militarization and Strategic Preparations – Both sides anticipated the likelihood of conflict. The British were expanding their military presence in southern Africa, while the Boer republics, particularly the Transvaal, were acquiring modern weaponry from European powers (notably Germany). The growing military capacity of the Boer states was seen as a threat by the British, and Britain wanted to act before the Boers became even more formidable.

5. Diplomatic Failures and Ultimatums – Tensions reached a breaking point in 1899 when negotiations between the British and the Boer leadership over the rights of the Uitlanders and the independence of the Boer republics broke down. In October 1899, the Transvaal and the Orange Free State issued an ultimatum to Britain, demanding the withdrawal of British troops from their borders and the cessation of military build-up. The British rejected the ultimatum, leading the Boers to declare war.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders engagement

In 1899, the 1^st Battalion, supported by Volunteers from the 3^rd and 4^th Militia Battalions, was deployed to South Africa to fight the Boers.  They engaged in a number of costly battles, but they maintained their fine reputation, winning recognition for marching 3,500 miles during the conflict.

On the march to the relief of Kimberley they had to cross the Modder Riveron 28^th November 1899.   When the British force attempted to cross the river and were pinned down by Boers, this became a stern fight which lasted all day.  Although the British succeeded in crossing the river, they lost two Officers wounded, 19 NCOs and men killed with a further 101 wounded, 11 of whom later died.  The next day the Boers were found to have retreated, a characteristic tactic they employed.

Two weeks later, on 11^th December 1899, the Battalion took part in a disastrous night attack on Magersfontein.  Following a night march, the Highland Brigade ended up close to the Boer position.  The Boers opened fire, causing immense confusion and casualties.  A second attack was attempted but failed and the British troops were pinned down in the heat for over 10 hours.  Withdrawing under the cover of artillery, they had achieved nothing.  The CO, Lieutenant Colonel Goff, Major Robinson and 2^nd Lieutenant King were killed, and four other Officers wounded; 19 NCOs and Other Ranks were killed, and 86 were wounded, 13 of which subsequently died of wounds.  The London Times recorded that ‘Rarely have troops gone through such an ordeal.’  The bodies were hastily interred and the massed pipers from the Highland Brigade slowly marched up and down playing The Flowers of the Forest.

On 12^th February 1900, the 1^st Battalion was engaged in the Battle of Paarderburg which resulted in the surrender of the Boer commander, Piet Cronje.  This was only achieved after another costly battle:  five Officers were wounded, 18 NCOs and men killed, and 78 wounded, of whom two later died.

During the latter two years the Battalion was engaged in a series of minor actions against the Boers. The Battalion remained in South Africa, departing from Johannesburg for the UK on 4 May 1903.

Battle Honours awarded were:  South Africa 1899-1902, Modder River and Paarderburg.

A statue, by W. Hubert Paton, commemorating the Regiments service during this war was placed outside Stirling Castle on the esplanade and unveiled by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll and future Colonel-on-Chief of the Regiment, in 1907. This can still be viewed today.

A recent donations

Earlier this year, the museum was kindly donated the Queen’s South Africa medal, photograph and story of Private (later Sergeant) James Kemp Aitchison. Aitchinson was wounded at the Battle of Magersfontein on 12^th December 1899. He was shot through the forehead an inch above his eyebrow, the bullet passing cleanly through his head. He was transferred to the Orange River Field Hospital in December 1899, then to No.2 General Hospital February 1900, when he was invalided to the UK. There is a note in the book, “With the flag to Pretoria” by Henry Wilson in section, “Back from the jaws of Death” which shows an illustration of a group of wounded soldiers on board RMS Umbria which brought them to Southampton, including Aitchinson. The book states he is perfectly recovered.

Even after returning to the UK, Aitchison would continue to rise up the ranks until 1909. From Lance Corporal (in 1900) to taking up duty as Colour Sergeant (in 1909), Aitchison was then discharged on the 14^th April 1909. He suffered from headaches and fits, believed to be epilepsy as a consequence of his injury and so was deemed as medically unfit.

It never fails to amaze the museum team, the incredible stories, objects and photographs that people are still offering to donate – especially when the war related to the object happened 125 years ago.

If you have any objects related to The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders you would like to share with the museum team, you can reach out to us on museum@argylls.co.uk

Written by Caitlin Meldrum, Audience and Communications Officer