The Boer War
The early Boer campaign had gone badly for the British forces, and
by the end of 1899 there was a keenly felt need for reinforcements
to go out to South Africa. The relief of Ladysmith, under siege by
the Boers for 118 days, took place in February probably before
these volunteers could have arrived, but the famous Relief of
Mafeking occurred in May by which time the Perth men might have
been involved.
The Boer conflict had fuelled feelings of patriotism and
imperialism, feelings encapsulated in the extract of a council
minute that had been made into this illuminated address. The pride
felt by the city for the volunteers is evident in the language;
they feel "admiration of their patriotic conduct" and offers them
"the warmest acknowledgement of their high spirit". As a member of
a volunteer battalion, each soldier was not forced to fight, but
willingly volunteered his services.
By October 1900 the tide of the war had turned in favour of the
British and the Tories called a snap election which they won. In
this "Khaki" election, so called after the colour of the soldiers'
uniforms, the Tories were able to accuse the Liberals, who had
criticised the war, of a lack of patriotism.
To consult this document, which is part of the PE66 Volunteer &
Militia series of the Perth Burgh collection, you can visit
Perth & Kinross Council Archive at the
AK Bell Library. The Archive opening hours are Monday-Friday
9.30am-5pm
