Memorial to the South African War of 1899-1902, also commonly known as the Boer War. This commemorates the volunteers from the colony of New South Wales who served for the British Empire in the second Boer War against the Boer States of Orange Free State and the South African Republic (Transvaal).

At that time, all six of the colonial states in Australia raised volunteer forces and later, in 1901 at the time of Australian Federation, a combined Australian Commonwealth Force was also despatched. Interestingly, by the commitment to South African War, Australia was at war during the year of Federation. This memorial includes a small calibre field gun and is situated on the northern slope of Observatory Hill, overlooking areas of The Rocks and portions of Sydney Harbour.

 

The South African War Memorial with the Harbour Bridge seen in the background.

 

The back side of the South African War Memorial.

 

Close-up of the inscription on the South African War memorial.

(All photos and text courtesy of Peter F. Williams)
© 2009 Peter F. Williams all rights reserved