The Boer War marked Canada’s first significant military contribution to an overseas conflict, pitting the British Empire against two independent Boer (Dutch-descended settler) republics in South Africa over control of resources and territory. Despite initial reluctance from Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier, strong imperial ties and public pressure led Canada to send volunteer contingents, establishing a precedent for independent overseas military involvement.
Among these dedicated volunteers, 116 soldiers from the 48th Highlanders of Canada proudly answered the call, contributing their service, primarily to the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment. Their participation in this early 20th-century conflict not only earned the Regiment its first battle honour, “SOUTH AFRICA, 1899-1900,” but also helped solidify Canada’s emerging identity on the global military stage.