CANADA HISTORY - War

More Troops

The Royal Canadian Regiment, having completed its initial role in South Africa during the early stages of the Boer War, had proven the value of Canadian infantry. Yet, the vast and rugged South African landscape, with its open plains and harsh terrain, demanded a new tactical approach—one that favored mobility and speed. The Boer forces, adept at hit-and-run tactics, had taken full advantage of their mounted troops, using swift movements to evade British columns and strike where least expected. The British, along with their Canadian allies, quickly realized the necessity of countering these tactics with mounted troops of their own, particularly to serve as scouts who could track the elusive Boer movements and engage them on more equal terms.

Recognizing this need, Canada undertook the recruitment of a second wave of troops, focusing heavily on mounted units. Two battalions of mounted riflemen were to be raised, forming the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Canadian Mounted Rifles. The 1st Battalion would be commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel François-Louis Lessard, a seasoned officer with a solid reputation, while the 2nd Battalion was placed under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel Lawrence Herchmer. Herchmer, with his experience as Commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police, brought with him a deep understanding of frontier life and horsemanship, which was critical to the success of mounted troops. In fact, the 2nd Battalion was to be primarily recruited from the western provinces of Canada, specifically drawing on cowboys, ranchers, and those familiar with life in the saddle and the use of firearms. These were men accustomed to the open range, rough terrain, and quick decision-making needed in mounted warfare.

In addition to the mounted battalions, the Royal Canadian Field Artillery, a three-battery contingent, was raised in eastern Canada, adding a much-needed artillery component to support the mobile operations in South Africa. This demonstrated that Canada was not only contributing infantry and mounted troops but also providing crucial firepower to back up its forces on the ground.

Amidst these preparations, a more distinctive and colorful regiment emerged, thanks to the philanthropic zeal of Donald Smith, better known as Lord Strathcona. Strathcona, a key figure in the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway and one of the wealthiest men in the country, saw it as his patriotic duty to contribute to the war effort. As the Canadian High Commissioner to Britain, he was well aware of the pressing need for more troops in South Africa and personally funded the creation of a regiment known as Lord Strathcona’s Horse. This regiment was to be a mounted force of 537 officers and men, and Strathcona chose none other than Sam Steele to lead it—a figure who had already achieved legendary status in Canada through his exploits in the North-West Mounted Police and the Klondike Gold Rush. Steele's reputation for toughness, leadership, and frontier experience made him an ideal choice to lead this elite unit.

Like the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Mounted Rifles, Strathcona’s Horse was primarily recruited from western Canada. The regiment attracted hardy cowboys, adventurers, and experienced outdoorsmen—men who could ride, shoot, and survive in harsh conditions. The enthusiasm to join this prestigious regiment was overwhelming, with four times the required number of volunteers stepping forward to fill the ranks. The men of Strathcona’s Horse were outfitted in a manner befitting their rugged origins, equipped with western-style saddles, Lee-Enfield rifles, revolvers, lassoes, and, notably, cowboy hats instead of the traditional British military helmets. Their distinctive attire and equipment symbolized their independence and frontier spirit, setting them apart from other units in the war.

Training for these mounted troops began almost immediately, with an agreement that they would serve an initial six-month tour in South Africa, which could be extended to one year if necessary. By early 1900, the mounted units were prepared to deploy. On January 21, 1900, the 1st Battalion of Canadian Mounted Rifles departed from Halifax, quickly followed by the 2nd Battalion on January 27. The Royal Canadian Regiment’s last detachment, having completed its initial role, sailed in February, marking the end of the infantry phase and the beginning of Canada’s mounted campaign in South Africa.

Strathcona’s Horse, meanwhile, departed Halifax on March 17 aboard the S.S. Monterey. The regiment sailed with 28 officers, 528 men, and nearly 600 horses. However, the voyage was fraught with challenges, as many of the horses did not survive the journey to South Africa, succumbing to the cramped and stressful conditions aboard the ship. Once they landed in mid-April, replacements for the horses were procured, and the regiment was soon ready to take its place in the South African campaign.

The transition to mounted warfare marked a significant evolution in Canada’s military contribution to the Boer War. The decision to form specialized units like the Canadian Mounted Rifles and Strathcona’s Horse reflected both the unique demands of the South African battlefield and the adaptability of Canadian forces. These mounted troops would play a crucial role in the later stages of the war, using their mobility and expertise in scouting to track Boer commandos and engage them in a way that static infantry units could not. The experience gained in this campaign would not only cement Canada’s reputation as a capable contributor to British imperial forces but also lay the groundwork for the future development of Canadian cavalry and mounted forces in the 20th century.