Artillery of the Anglo-Boer War
During past years much has been written on the Anglo-Boer War. Almost every book has concentrated on the march of Roberts' army on Pretoria, Buller's problems on the Tugela, the siege and relief of Ladysmith, Kimberley and Mafeking, and the subsequent guerrilla
This book does not tell of the reverses and the victories. It is a study of the artillerymen of both sides in the conflict and of their armament, their horses and much else that concerns a Gunner, of the background to the development of the guns they used, and of the various volunteer and colonial forces that took part.
In the war between Britain and the Boer Republics, both sides employed guns and howitzers that were currently at the peak of development. It was the first long war fought by the British army, and it was fought against men of their own colour, who were able to retaliate with similar weaponry.
The effectiveness of the Boer artillery took the Royal Artillery by surprise. In a number of ways, the Republican artillery taught the Royal Artillery lessons, some which led to the development of armament and tactics that stood them in good stead in the war that was to come in 1914. Lessons learnt in the war in South Africa remain valid today.
All museums, libraries, historians, milita-rist, collectors and enthusiasts in general, will find Artillery of the Anglo-Boer War an interesting and valuable reference book.
Col Frik Jacobs, Director, War Museum of the Boer Republics and co-ordinating editor, recommends Artillery of the Anglo-Boer War unconditionally.
