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Canada’s Soldiers in South Africa
Tales from the Boer War, 1899-1902
by John Boileau
Stories of Canadian troops fighting a guerilla war with Dutch farmers on African soil.
In 1899 a thousand Canadian soldiers went to war--in South Africa.
They were fighting white farmers who defied the mighty British empire by setting up their own, independent state.
This South African or Boer War of 1899-1902 marked the first time Canadian troops went abroad to fight alongside Britain.
Like other conflicts, the Boer War was controversial in Canada. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's liberal government, reluctantly responded to sentiment in much of English Canada and eventually sent nearly 8,400 Canadians to serve in South Africa. More than 200 died there.
Canada's Soldiers in South Africa recounts fascinating stories about the experiences of young Canadians fighting in this little-known conflict.
They were fighting white farmers who defied the mighty British empire by setting up their own, independent state.
This South African or Boer War of 1899-1902 marked the first time Canadian troops went abroad to fight alongside Britain.
Like other conflicts, the Boer War was controversial in Canada. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's liberal government, reluctantly responded to sentiment in much of English Canada and eventually sent nearly 8,400 Canadians to serve in South Africa. More than 200 died there.
Canada's Soldiers in South Africa recounts fascinating stories about the experiences of young Canadians fighting in this little-known conflict.
About the Author
JOHN BOILEAU is a retired Canadian army colonel and author of fifteen books and over 650 articles. He is a frequent commentator for radio and television specializing in military history. In 2010 the Minister of National Defence appointed him Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Halifax Rifles. He is a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal (NS), a Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia Vice-Regal Commendation and a Commander Canadian Army Commendation. He lives with his wife Miriam in Bedford, Nova Scotia.
Reviews
"...this is a fine book for someone wanting a quick introduction to the martial history of Canada and its unique role as recognized by senior members of the British military."
Canadian Naval Review
"...captures the atmosphere of the veld and battlefield with the skill of a novelist."
Shirley de Kock Gueller, Cape Times (South Africa)
"...Boileau looks at everything from the national fervour that led to Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier's decision to send troops in the first place (initially on a converted cattle boat) to individual battles. Boileau also writes about the bravery of individual members of the force that brought Canada its first foreign battle honours and its first Victoria Cross..."
Ian Fairclough, The Nova Scotian
In the latest title from James Lorimer and Company's Amazing Stories series, local author John Boileau recounts the lead up to, and some of the stories from, Canada's first overseas combat.
Ian Fairclough, Chronicle Herald
Subjects (BISAC)
HISTORY / Africa / South / Republic of South Africa, HISTORY / Canada / General, HISTORY / Military / Canada
Subjects
Canadian History: Military and War, Canadian Biography, Canadian Biography: Historical, Canadian Biography: Military, Canadian History
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