The Military History Society of New South Wales Incorporated presents
Lieutenant Colonel David Deasey RFD (Retd)
on
Australian involvement in the Guerrilla War Phase of the Boer War.
General James Mattis, US Marine Corps retired, once said “No war is over until the enemy says it’s over. We may think it over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote.” Historians often find the guerrilla phase of this war difficult to interpret and lacking in key indicators for success
By August of 1900 Britain believed that the Boers were defeated. So confident were they that earlier that year they had rejected a NSW offer to supply a further 500 soldiers. Lord Roberts handed command to his Deputy Lord Kitchener and prepared to return home to a hero’s welcome. The Boers however refused to accept that they were beaten.
It was not until late 1900, perhaps even early 1901 that the realization hit home with the British that this was a new kind of war which required a very different and controversial approach. Suddenly more Colonial soldiers were essential for success again.
This talk focuses on the changes required in tactics and strategy to win this war and how Australian troops fitted into this plan. Some lessons can be gleaned from this in regards to the current Middle Eastern situation.
Saturday, 11 February 2017, 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Anzac Room, 99 York St Conference and Function Centre, Sydney
Entry is free. RSVP is essential by Wednesday 8 February 2017 as numbers are restricted (02) 9660 7225 / 0418 400 825 or email rsvp@militaryhistorynsw.com.au
Australian involvement in the Guerrilla War Phase of the Boer War
