History Browser

An article about the origins of the South African War and Canada's involvement in it. Includes reading list.

Major Arthur L. (Gat) Howard accepted the position of machine gun officer in the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles (later called the Royal Canadian Dragoons). Instead of returning home from the South African War with his unit in December 1900, Howard organized the Canadian Scouts and took command of the unit.

Lieutenant-Colonel William D. Otter became the first Canadian-born officer to command this country’s military. As commanding officer of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry in South Africa, his no nonsense, no frills approach to soldiering brought him into conflict with the less disciplined ways of his officers and men, but his austere professionalism got results.

A photo gallery is presented here commemorating fallen Canadians. Some photos of veterans appear in the collection as well as the cemetaries where they were buried and monuments memorializing their contribution to the war.

Over 7300 Canadian volunteers served in South Africa in October 1899, when the British Empire and the two small South African Boer republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State went to war. Canada's participation advanced Canadian nationalism, but the war also magnified domestic linguistic and cultural differences.

In November 1899, the Canadian government offered a second contingent consisting of horse-mounted infantry and field artillery.These men were already experienced horsemen and good shots. The Royal Canadian Dragoons was perhaps the most effective Canadian unit to serve in South Africa.

Canadian participation in South Africa fostered a growth in Canadian nationalism due to the social differences between Canadians and the British, the British Army's mistreatment of lower ranks, and the desire of Canadian politicians to control what they saw as Canadian troops. Memories of the combatants to the horrors of the war receded over time and new Canadian military myths were created.

A vital factor throughout Canadian military history has been the role of the militia or reserves. While there has been a shift from a small professional core of soldiers supporting a larger militia, to a small militia supporting a larger regular force; society has seen the necessity of funding both groups.

Collection of 24 images related to Canadian military history.

This is the opening page to more detailed Veterans Affairs information on Canada's participation in major military conflicts of the 20th century. Includes resources pertaining to the South African War, the First World War, the Second World War, and the Korean War, as well as stories about Native soldiers and other interesting tales.