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2nd Boer War (Boer Warfare (Boer Strengths :check:
Based on their past…
2nd Boer War
Boer Warfare
Boer Strengths :check:
- Based on their past experience the Boers adapted an innovative and mobile strategy to war.
- They were familiar with the land
- Could easily block off railways
- Knew how to live off the land
- Most of their army was made up of farmers who were used to hunting and horses and their sports included target practise.
- They acquired a few hundred Krupp guns and Le Creusot siege guns.
- British assumed the Boers would be scared of force and surrender quickly
- British outdated tactica
- The Boers attacked first in October 1899 and besieged Ladysmith in Natal and Kimberley and Mafeking in the Cape Colony but this was a mistake because the Boers were used to guerilla combat and not being tied down defending. :red_cross:
- However these sieges had an impact on the British troops and public opinion in Britain :check:
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Background
First Boer War
- Boers were happy for British control as long as Zulus were a threat but the Boers defeated the Zulus
- So the Boers wanted independence and fought the British; Boers won and British government had to grant independence.
British Strengths :check:
- British realized about Red coats and changed uniform to Khaki
- Officers now worked way up ranks instead of payment
- Experienced Generals
- At First they were outnumbered but they then sent more troops to outnumber the Boers
- Armoured trains
- Boers weren't too experienced and only had artillery gunners
- All new rifles and machine guns
Key Figures
Generals
Field Marshall Lord Roberts
- Took over as commander in Chief December 1899
General Sir Redvers Buller
Failures :red_cross:
- Too confident and thought it would be a short war
- Should have known the importance of scouting but only sent a few scouts who returned with little interest (continuing to neglect scouting for maps etc)
- indecisive and poor communication
- Used as a scapegoat and spoke publicly to journalist so had to be dismissed
Successes :check:
- Eventually took by Ladysmith by using pontoon bridges and artillery bombardment on 14th February 1900 to force Boer withdrawal on 28th February.
- Learnt lessons after being demoted and was succesful in Natal so sent more scouts etc
- Used armoured trains
- Innovative and encouraged men to use natural cover.