"The Newcastle Rifles in the Boer War" Topic

Hi all,

I was reading in an old post battle report about the defence of Newcastle in Natal that there were these guys called the Newcastle Rifles, mounted on horse.

However, I have not been able to find any description or history of them. I was wondering if this was just some random information that I came across.

If anyone knows more about them I would appreciate it. I would then do a small unit to go with my British and Natal figures for gaming in that period.

Cheers.

Not sure about the Boer War, but there was a small unit (less than 20 men?) raised for the Zulu War, led by Captain Bradstreet, fought at Isandlwana and the survivors then amalgamated with the Natal Carbineers – is that the same unit?

Google ‘Newcastle Rifles 1879' and you'll get several images. Empress Miniatures make some nice figures in 28mm.

Most mounted infantry units looked pretty similar in the field. Generic khaki with turned up slouch hat and bandolier/s. Did mine generic so they can change names with each historical action I refight. Many units, often named after current commander.

Re. Newcastle Rifles in the Boer War: It seems a bit confused to me as Newcastle wasn't defended in the Boer War – it was abandoned when the Boers invaded and the area was annexed by Kruger's men. Newcastle was renamed 'Viljoensdorp' – which rather gives a lie to the modern-day claims that the Boers only ever wanted to defend their borders.

Later in the war, various home defence type units were formed but there was – as far as I can tell – no District Mounted Troop raised in Newcastle. There was, however, a part time Town Guard:

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