Canadian Contingents in the Boer War

(1899-1902). Consisted of the Royal Canadian Infantry, Canadian Mounted Rifles, Royal Canadian Artillery, and Strath con a's Horse. The first contingent, which sailed for South Africa from Quebec, Oct. 30, 1899, numbered 1141. The second contingent, which sailed from Halifax in January and February, 1900, mustered 1320. These two contingents comprised the official Canadian contribution to the British forces in the war, but Lord Strath con a also raised a contingent at his own expense. This contingent, known as Strath con a's Horse, sailed from Halifax in March, 1900, the force numbering 540 officers and men, and 599 horses. Over 3000 Canadians therefore took part in the war against the Boers. Throughout the operations in South Africa, the Canadians signally distinguished themselves, particularly at the battle of Paardeberg on Feb. 27, 1900, when with the Gordon Highlanders and the Shropshires they led the final attack on Cronje's position. Bib. : Evans, The Canadian Contingents ; Marquis, Canada's Sons on Kopje and Veldt ; Doyle, The Great Boer War .