Remembering the South African War: Canada’s First Overseas Conflict
At the dawn of the 20th century, Canada stood at a crossroads—no longer a loose collection of colonies, yet not fully sovereign in world affairs. The South African War (1899–1902), often referred to in earlier times as the Boer War, marked the nation’s first military engagement beyond its own borders. This complex and often overlooked chapter in our history tested the young Dominion’s political resolve, military capability, and emerging identity.
To help preserve and explore this foundational moment, the Beechwood Cemetery Foundation is proud to release a new digital publication: “The Beechwood Way – The South African War.”
This eBook is more than a recounting of battles—it is a tribute to the people behind the history. Through detailed biographies, historical context, and archival imagery, it honours the soldiers, nurses, scouts, and artists who contributed to Canada’s effort in South Africa and helped shape our modern military legacy.
Why the “South African War”?
While long referred to as the “Boer War,” the name “South African War” has become the preferred term in Canada, particularly within official circles such as Veterans Affairs and the Department of National Defence. This change—formalized in the 1990s—reflects a commitment to historical accuracy and inclusivity. Rather than centring only the Boer perspective, “South African War” acknowledges the complex and multiethnic nature of the conflict, including the role of the British Empire, Canadian volunteers, African communities, and others who were drawn into this imperial struggle.
Beechwood Cemetery is the final resting place of several individuals connected to the South African War. Notably, renowned Canadian sculptor Hamilton P. MacCarthy—creator of some of the most iconic South African War monuments across the country—is buried on these grounds. His legacy, like those of the soldiers he memorialized, is explored in depth within the pages of this eBook. As Canada’s National Cemetery, Beechwood has a responsibility to ensure that our collective memory includes all facets of our shared past.
This eBook contributes to that mission by shedding light on the lives and legacies of Canada’s first international volunteers—many of whom went on to serve again in later conflicts, or to help shape the civic and political landscape of the country they returned to.