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Military information. How the siege could last for so long What difference did the siege of Mafikeng made to the whole war ? Landmarks First shots at Kraaipan |
The Boers were people who lived from the veldt and were frequently in conflict with the native people. For this reason they had to develop excellent protection and defense skills in order to survive. The main weapons used were the Martini Henry.
Other weapons were The Commando System and Laagers. The Commandant was the leader A Laager was ox-wagons drawn in the form of a circle. They made
sure that they had a great view of their surroundings and defended themselves from inside.
There were also women and children inside According to the act of Commando's of the ZAR each Burger were always supposed to have the following ready, a horse with a saddle a riffle and 30 bullets and food for 8 day thereafter the government will provide. Boers in need were supplied by the necessary from Start by the government. |
used from time to time. Gunpowder were stored in
powder-horns. These were (as the name says) horns from animals either wild buck or cattle.
A hole was made inside and a string attached. They also casted their own gun-barrels and
bullets. The whole family were involved in the casting of gun-barrels, using flute
reed/cane planted upright in the ground. 
of a commando and military leader of his district. A
Veldkornet was
appointed as spokesperson between the commandant and the soldiers. Everyone who could
handle a weapon joined as a soldier during war situations. The ages of the soldiers varied
from 16 to 60. This system was very informal and not really 
military.
Unfortunately this also meant that military discipline was absent and usually men were
chosen as leaders because of there seniority or position in private life and not because
they were suitable. This costed the Boers dearly.
the Laagers. and they helped
to load the weapons. They always sent out scouts to see if there is danger around.