An Invitation to Become Part of the Most Memorable, Most Significant Commemoration in South African Military History.
Britain marched into the Anglo Boer War in the spring of 1899 beleiving it would be all over by Christmas. But as Kipling was to write, the comparatively small bands of volunteers from the Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State were to give Queen Victoria's proud British army "no end of a lesson." It proved to be the longest, costliest bloodiest and most humiliating war that Britain had fought since 1815.
It was also a war of controversy and bitterness. Britain's uncompromising response to the geurilla tactics of the enemy was the construction of concentration camps, where 26 000 Boer men, women and children died; the survivors returning to devastated homesteads. Some 12 000 black people lost their lives in the field and 107 000 were imprisoned in concentration camps.
The programme of events to mark the one hundred years since the first shots of the war were fired at the Battle of Talana, will commencein October 1999 and close on 31st May 2002. In the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, personified by South Africa's president Nelson Mandela, the commemoration og the Anglo Boer War will bring together the people of South Africa in peace and reconciliation, and send a message of goodwill to the many nations of the world that were touched by the bloody events of 1899-1902.
A programme of regular visits to battlefields throughout the region will be available from October 1999 - May 2002. These will take a number of forms, including self drive, bus tours and steam train trips. Many other functions and events are currently being planned and there will be regular updates on additions to this official programme.
This was not simply a war between British and Boer forces on South African soil. It was a war of ideals and visions, and men and women of many nations sailed to Africa to take up arms or serve in ancillary roles. Fighting on the side of the Boers were French, Germans, Italians and the Americans of the Irish Brigade. The British brought in troops from the colonies - Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The Russians and the Spanish operated hospitals and ambulance corps, and the International Red Cross was recognised by both nations at war. The war also attracted the adventurers, typified by West Point trained Colonel John Blake, who had served in the United States cavalry before taking command of the 200 strong Irish Brigade in support of the Boers.
Situated in the northern region of the garden province of KwaZulu- Natal,
the Battlefields Route offers visitors a scenic and tranquil landscape
on which are sited the largest concentration of battlefields in southern
Africa.
Attractions in the region range from arts and crafts routes to hiking trails,
from farm resorts to an exploration of Zulu culture. On the doorstep are
the tourism attrcations that have made KwaZulu-Natal a tourism mecca -
for from the mountains to the sea there is more to do and more to see than
anywhere else in Africa.
Member towns of the Battlefields Route which will be involved in the commemoration
of the Anglo Boer War are Babanango, Estcourt, Colenso, Dundee, Eshowe,
Glencoe, Greytown, Ladysmith, Newcastle, Paulpietersburg, Ulundi, Utrecht,
Volksrust, Vryheid and Winterton
If you want to receive updates on the programme of events to commemorate the Anglo Boer War from February 2000 to May 2002, require more information on tourism opportunities on the Battlefields Route and throughout KwaZulu-Natal, or wish to receive FREE publications on the Battlefields Route and regions within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, COMPLETE THE DETAILS IN THE PANEL BELOW AND MAIL OR FAX IT RIGHT AWAY. Or you can telephone and have your name placed on the mailing list for update information.
FAX TO:
KZN BATTLEFIELDS ROUTE
NATIONAL: (0341) 22376
INTERNATIONAL: +27 341 22376
MAIL TO:
THE CO-ORDINATING SECRETARY
ANGLO BOER WAR CENTENARY
PRIVATE BAG 2024
DUNDEE, 3000
SOUTH AFRICA
TELEPHONE:PAM McFADDEN
NATIONAL: (0341) 22654/INTERNATIONAL: 27 341 22654
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Have a look at the Natal battlefields site