The South African War, famously known as the Boer War (1899-1902), is significant in Canada’s military history as it was the nation’s first official troop deployment overseas. 

The conflict erupted in 1899 between Great Britain and the Afrikaner (Boer) colonies of the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State, marking the beginning of a pivotal chapter in Canada’s military involvement. 

For the next three years, more than 7,000 Canadians, including 12 courageous women nurses, participated in battles like Paardeberg and Leliefontein. Among the Canadians who served, 267 died and are commemorated in the Books of Remembrance. Their bravery and sacrifice in these battles, and the subsequent recognition in the Books of Remembrance, are a source of pride and inspiration for Canadians. 

For your information, Winston Churchill gained fame in England during the Boer War after participating in three international conflicts. He demonstrated bravery and heroism in battle and made a daring escape from a prison camp despite being there as a correspondent for a British newspaper rather than as a soldier.