The Boer War
The Battle of Eland's River
When did the event occur? The battle of Eland’s River took place in Western Transvaal (southern South Africa) between the 4th and 16th of August, 1900. There were 2000-3000 Boers fighting against a garrison of only 500 men of which 300 were from Australia. The garrison were heavily outnumbered but kept on fighting and was finally relieved by reinforcements of 10,000 men. Why/How was Australia involved? Australia was involved in the battle of Eland’s River because, as part of the British Empire, the Australian colonies supplied troops to support Great Britain's attempts to colonize South Africa. What is the significance to Australia? · 8 Australians were killed fighting for their country in the Battle of Elands River. · The British reinforced the Australians when they were in trouble, this showed their support for them. · It was the first time Australia had been involved in trench warfare. · The Australians showed fighting spirit, they were under siege for 13 days but kept fighting until the reinforcements arrived. Breaker Morant When did the event occur? Breaker Morant was born on the 9th of December, 1864 in England. He was a soldier, poet and horseman and convicted criminal. He was convicted of murdering 12 innocent farmers in the Boer war and executed. Why/How was Australia involved? Breaker Morant fought in the Boer war for the British Empire. No word of his arrest, trial and execution reached Australia until after his death. His execution infuriated many people because they believed that he was under the ruthless orders of Lord Kitchener, his commanding officer. What is the significance to Australia? · He was the first Australian soldier to be executed. · The fact that the Australian government didn't know that Breaker Morant was executed outraged many Australians. This is important because it changed Australian’s views of the British at the time. · Over 100 years after Breaker Morants death, his family are still pushing for him to receive a full pardon. · Because of the manner of Breaker Morants death, there have been several books written about him, a stage play and an Australian film. Since the federation, the argument over what should’ve happened to Breaker Morant was the first disagreement between Australia and the British. |