In 1899 a thousand Canadian soldiers went to war--in South Africa.
They were fighting white farmers who defied the mighty British empire by setting up their own, independent state.
This South African or Boer War of 1899-1902 marked the first time Canadian troops went abroad to fight alongside Britain.
Like other conflicts, the Boer War was controversial in Canada. Sir Wilfrid Laurier's liberal government, reluctantly responded to sentiment in much of English Canada and eventually sent nearly 8,400 Canadians to serve in South Africa. More than 200 died there.
Canada's Soldiers in South Africa recounts fascinating stories about the experiences of young Canadians fighting in this little-known conflict.

Retired colonel John Boileau served in the Canadian Army for thirty-seven years, including command of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), and went on to be appointed Honorary Colonel of the Halifax Rifles (RCAC) for ten years. He is an author and media commentator who specializes in military history and has written fifteen books and more that 650 magazine and newspaper articles. Two of his books, Fastest in the World and Halifax and the Royal Canadian Navy were shortlisted for the Dartmouth Book Award for Non-Fiction. John was founding chair of the Halifax Military Heritage Preservation Society and chair of the National Council of Honorary Colonels. He is a recipient of the Order of Nova Scotia, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal (NS), a Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia Vice-Regal Commendation and a Commander Canadian Army Commendation. He and his wife, Miriam, live in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

John Boileau's profile page

In the latest title from James Lorimer and Company's Amazing Stories series, local author John Boileau recounts the lead up to, and some of the stories from, Canada's first overseas combat.

Chronicle Herald

"...captures the atmosphere of the veld and battlefield with the skill of a novelist."

Cape Times (South Africa)

"...this is a fine book for someone wanting a quick introduction to the martial history of Canada and its unique role as recognized by senior members of the British military."

Canadian Naval Review

"...Boileau looks at everything from the national fervour that led to Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier's decision to send troops in the first place (initially on a converted cattle boat) to individual battles. Boileau also writes about the bravery of individual members of the force that brought Canada its first foreign battle honours and its first Victoria Cross..."

The Nova Scotian