In 1901, during the Anglo Boer War, disturbing incidents were enacted by members of the Bushveldt Carbineers that have stirred the consciences of historians, legal commentators and the general public ever since. Despite a good deal of research and speculation from various quarters, many believe important elements of the truth have not been found.
Objective
The objective of this site is to build a resource base of the facts and theories relating to those incidents and the consequences that followed. We believe the underlying issues that brought about these events to be complex and suppressed, perhaps going to the highest levels of government, and we encourage informed participation by all parties and all points of view with an interest in unraveling one of history’s most thought provoking chapters.
Opinion has been radically divided, particularly along the lines of the opposing foes and the victims of the events, we accept that with good grace. We remind all contributors that the governments on each side of this conflict “forgave” each other for the horrendous waste of lives, the destruction, and the ruination of many other lives that they inflicted. The magnitude of that carnage makes disagreement on this matter rather insignificant.
Overview
The BVC was one of many irregular units formed by Lord Kitchener (C in C) to deal with a determined and elusive enemy in the latter stages of the Boer War. The widely dispersed and highly mobile Boer Commandos had sworn to fight to the Bitter End. The conflict had degenerated to “hit and run” guerrilla warfare characterized by extreme measures, atrocities and reprisals on both sides – concentration camps, block houses, scorched earth, civilian “human shields” on trains, violation of the white flag, use of British uniforms for disguise, ambushes, wrecking trains and picking-off the occupants, arming natives, permanent banishment of leaders from SAf, oaths taken to “give no quarter” etc. etc.
How to Use this Site
Historical information is posted under appropriate headings. Opinions and theories are posted under the Forum, where readers are welcome to make comments.