Summary

Medal issued in 1899 to wish luck to Australian contingents going to fight in the Boer War. In 1899 the Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, declared war on the British forces. They were disgruntled with interference in local affairs by the British, who had maintained a presence in the region for over a century. Enthusiastic civilians throughout the Australian colonies volunteered for service, supported by their respective colonial governments. Over 15,000 served in colonial contingents during the Boer War. The first joint colonial regiment, the Australian Regiment, was formed from companies from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The British gradually wore down Boer resistance, and peace was declared on 31 May 1902. The Peace of Vereeniging replaced the British military administration with a civil administration, eventually leading to self-government. Australian casualties in the war totalled about 1400, with 518 killed. Six Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery. The new Federal Government granted money to assist incapacitated Boer War veterans and their dependents.
Mint: not recorded.

Obverse Description

Veiled head of Queen Victoria facing left; around, BRITISH TRANSVAAL WAR

Reverse Description

Crossed Australian and British flags with 1899 at top and 1900 at bottom, all within beaded circle; around, GOOD LUCK ATTEND AUSTRALIAN CONTINGENTS .

Significance

In 1899 the Boers, descendants of Dutch settlers, declared war on the British forces. They were disgruntled with interference in local affairs by the British, who had maintained a presence in the region for over a century. Enthusiastic civilians throughout the Australian colonies volunteered for service, supported by their respective colonial governments. Over 15,000 served in colonial contingents during the Boer War. The first joint colonial regiment, the Australian Regiment, was formed from companies from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. The British gradually wore down Boer resistance, and peace was declared on 31 May 1902. The Peace of Vereeniging replaced the British military administration with a civil administration, eventually leading to self-government. Australian casualties in the war totalled about 1400, with 518 killed. Six Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery. The new Federal Government granted money to assist incapacitated Boer War veterans and their dependents. -National Archives of Australia Fact Sheet #67. http://www.naa.gov.au/publications/fact_sheets/fs67.html. -D. Tout-Smith 5/2/2004.

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