The Boer War: Myth and Reality

The famous Boer War - 1899 - 1902. It’s a conflict that has one of the most familiar and depressing stories in British military history.

The Boers we’re told were deadly marksmen, brilliant horsemen and natural soldiers - while the British Army blundered from one disaster to another until sheer numbers finally proved decisive.

But what if that story is not quite true?

Let’s not forget for example that the early part of the war also saw British victories at Talana Hill, Elandslaagte, Belmont, Graspan and Modder River.

And according to my guest today, historian and author Chris Ash, much of what we think we know about the conflict has been shaped by myth, politics and selective memory.

In this chat Chris will lay out his views on all of the myths - did we stumble from one defeat to another and were the Boers the super soldiers that we are lead to believe?

Now, it’s fair to say that Chris has some very strong views, but that is exactly why I wanted to sit down with him. On this channel I love to encourage debate and break away from the accepted opinions. If you disagree with what he says then feel free to comment but please be sure to supply sources for any counter argument.

Chris's website and blog can be found here - https://www.chrisash.co.za/