The Boer’s in South Africa were initially underestimated by the British, largely because of their guerilla style of attack and retreat. The British believed the ‘war’ was always a foregone conclusion but were surprised at the tenacity of the Boer’s.

It was the Australian Bushmen on horseback that proved to be the most effective resource available, and so it was that their role and purpose increased. The Boer War also saw for the first time Australian Nurses in the field. The Queen’s South Africa Medal was issued with 26 different clasps.

Total number of medals issued to Australians was approximately 16,000.