Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

Pre 1914, 2nd Anglo-Boer War, South Africa, 1901

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Overview

Boer War. Armoured Train, South Africa

Historical information

Soon after Lord Kitchener assumed command, he reorganized the armoured trains into dedicated fighting units. To oversee their operations, he appointed an Assistant Director of Railways (ADR) for Armoured Trains, who also served on the staff of the Director of Railways. This officer managed approximately twenty armoured trains operating in South Africa.

The primary tasks of these trains included cooperating with field columns to intercept enemy forces being driven toward the railway line, securing the flanks of advancing columns to prevent enemy breakthroughs, reinforcing vulnerable railway stations and camps, and escorting regular traffic trains.

The ADR was responsible for ensuring the efficiency of garrisons, armaments, and coordinated actions. Each armoured train's garrison was diverse, comprising infantry escorts, Royal Artillery (R.A.) and Royal Engineers (R.E.) detachments. The R.E. unit, led by an N.C.O., included sappers skilled in railway repair and engine recovery, telegraph linesmen, a telegraph clerk, engine drivers, and firemen. Except for the driver and fireman, all personnel were armed and could engage in combat when required.

To mitigate the risk of contact mines, a heavily loaded bogie truck was propelled ahead of each train. These trucks, with low sides, provided clear visibility and fire capability while serving to detonate mines and transport essential railway materials.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-AMWA28403

Item type

Photographs

Themes

War and Conflict

Width

84 mm

Height or length

81 mm

Contextual Information