The Boer War Memorial

Between 1899 and 1902, Australian Colonial forces joined British forces in South Africa, united against the Dutch-Afrikaner settlers known as the Boers. The area had been highly contested since the Napoleonic wars, and when gold was discovered in the 1880’s, hostilities broke out again.

Australians were quick to respond to Britain’s call for assistance, and by the end of the conflict over 23,000 had served. On 1 January 1901, the formation of the Australian Commonwealth was declared, making this the first conflict in which our nation was involved.

Four horsemen are the centre piece of the artwork, posed dynamically and as if caught in a moment of the conflict. Along the top are nine bronze replica journals, which are excerpts from letters detailing the experience of the Boer War as written by Private FH Booth, 2nd Victorian Mounted Rifles.

Click here to learn more about Anzac Parade and its memorials.