Historical information

The 1st Contingent departed Fremantle on 7 November 1899 and returned on 29 December 1900. The 2nd Contingent departed 3 February 1900 and returned 8 December 1900. Due to the shortage of khaki material, the 1st Contingent uniforms wore their blue militia tunics, blue puttees and a dark blue puggaree on departure. An Anglo Boer War Service of Reconciliation is held annually on the first Sunday in June at the "Fallen Soldiers" (Boer War) Memorial in Kings Park attended by descendants and representative of all combatant nations. The date selected is the closest Sunday to the date of signing of the Treaty or Peace of Vereeniging (31 May 1902). The culmination of the service is the laying of the Emily Hobhouse wreath.

Significance

Unique series of stereoscopic images showing both the 1st and 2nd West Australian Mounted Infantry Contingents to the Anglo Boer War. Images contain details of uniforms, accoutrements, camp life, civic honours and departure.

Physical description

WA Transvaal Contingent in Camp at Karrakatta. Published in Australian Stereoscopic Views, WA Series, Photographed and published by Craig and Solin, Fremantle and Kalgoorlie

Inscriptions & markings

Photographed and published by Craig and Solin, Fremantle and Kalgoorlie

References