CANADA HISTORY - War

Going Home

As the formal fighting in South Africa died down the Canadian troops began to be sent home and upon returning to Canada found a hero's welcome form the people. The war had been perceived as a great victory for the Empire and Canada. The troops had distinguished themselves and Canada had tasted it's first involvement in war and conflict abroad.

Many troops were willing to continue n the military and some volunteered to return toe South Africa to serve in the South African constabulary. A military tradition had also been established with some of the newly formed regiments that served in South Africa and this tradition was to be expanded and enhanced in the First World War which was beginning to loom on the horizon.

The troops themselves were celebrated with parades and monuments for their exploits, actions and awards. The loyalty to the British Empire Experienced a overwhelming growth among the people but one of the most important results of the war was in Canadian British relations. Although Canada did not yet have the consigned rights of conducting it's own foreign policy, (this would come in 1931 with the Act of Westminster) Laurier had established Canada's right to decide whether to send troops abroad or not and if so, under what conditions these troops would operate.

Canadian troops had distinguished themselves many times and in many ways in South Africa and 4 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Canadian troops for actions during the conflict. The four recipients were Lieutenant Turner, Lieutenant Cockburn, Sergeant Holland and Arthur Richardson. Over 8,600 Canadians had volunteered for South Africa with 267 killed and 252 wounded.

Additional actions which Canadian troops saw were

Wwpwnwe April 9 - 25, 1900

Doorkop May 29th, 1900

Johannesberg May 31, 1900

Diamond Hill June 11 - 12, 1900

Belfast, August 26th, 1900

Komati River November 6 - 7, 1900

Three of the four Victoria Crosses awarded to Canadians were as a result of the action at Komati River. The Boer War officially ended on May 31st, 1902.