Doing Canada Proud: The Second Boer War and the Battle of Paardeberg

by Bernd Horn

Overview

The story of a little-known Canadian victory in the Second Boer War.

In the fall of 1899, Britain entered the Second Anglo-Boer War in South Africa confident that its army would make short work of a collection of armed farmers. However, initial confrontations quickly changed attitudes. Following a series of humiliating defeats, Britain quickly sought additional troops. Canada answered the call, and its first contingent consisted of the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR).

Fighting their first battle at Paardeburg Drift from February 18 to 27, 1900, The RCR did Canada proud, serving with distinction and demonstrating endurance and tenacity that rivalled the famous British regulars. This victory came at a cost, though. The RCR suffered 39 killed and 123 wounded, but its accomplishments were impressive. Canadians delivered the first major British triumph, which became the turning point of the conflict. The victory also awakened patriotism and national identity at home and earned Canada recognition as a sovereign power.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781459705791
Publisher:	Dundurn Press
Publication date:	12/22/2012
Series:	Canadians at War Series , #8
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	104
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	12 - 15 Years

About the Author

Colonel Bernd Horn is an experienced Canadian Forces infantry officer and military educator. Dr. Horn has authored, co-authored, or edited more than 30 books, including Men of Steel and Battle Cries in the Wilderness. He lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Colonel Bernd Horn is a retired Regular Force infantry officer and military educator. Dr. Horn has authored, co-authored, and edited more than forty books, including A Most Ungentlemanly Way of War: The SOE and the Canadian Connection and No Ordinary Men: Special Operations Forces Missions in Afghanistan. He lives in Kingston, Ontario.

Table of Contents

Introduction 

 Chapter 1                    Going to War

 Chapter 2                    Slow Beginnings

 Chapter 3                    Death on the Veldt

 Chapter 4                    Finishing Business

 Chapter 5                    Doing Canada Proud

 Chapter 6                    A War with No End

 Chapter 7                    Epilogue         

 About the author        

 Selected Readings

 Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

On Battle Cries in the Wilderness:
"Battle Cries, which tells the story of this war in North America, is a good history book, well written, historically accurate and interesting. In the author's skilful hands, the reader almost becomes a witness to the struggle."—CM Magazine, February 11, 2012

Editorial Reviews

. . . Doing Canada Proud, by Canadian Forces officer and military historian Colonel Bernd Horn, is an informative introduction to the key events and issues of the first battle fought by the Royal Canadian Regiment in the South African War.

OHS Bulletin

. . . Doing Canada Proud, by Canadian Forces officer and military historian Colonel Bernd Horn, is an informative introduction to the key events and issues of the first battle fought by the Royal Canadian Regiment in the South African War.

From the Publisher