Between October 11, 1899, and May 31, 1902, the British Empire engaged in a conflict with two Boer republics, the South African Republic and the Orange Free State. The war raged across the southern African region and ultimately ended with the two republics joining the British Army as the Union of South Africa.
Over the course of the Boer War, 22,000 troops were wounded in battle and the medical advancements were effective in treating much of what were previously fatal injuries as well as disease. 151 staff and regimental troops were mobilized with 28 field ambulances and 21 hospitals established. Additional voluntary organizations set up hospitals, first aid posts and medical units. The British colony of Natal mobilized approximately one thousand Indians including Mahatma Gandhi. Jewish organizations also helped both sides in the Anglo-Boer War from bases in Pretoria and Cape Colony.
Early Combat Procedures
During the early periods of the war, most recovery teams would enter the battlefield and recover wounded men. The Boers took advantage of this fact, establishing a precedence for rapid firing during this procedure, killing both soldiers and paramedics. This resulted in vast casualties of the persons who were attempting to help with the medical treatment. Most of the procedures ended up having to be conducted after dusk, leading to more fatalities on the field of combat.
Additional atrocities continued throughout the war. Boer soldiers tipped their bullets with poison, resulting in the infection of British soldiers. However, the use of German Mauser rifles limited the effects of these weapons due to their clean wounding hits. Green fat coating was often found on bullets removed from soldiers, as this was used at the time to lubricate the chamber. In addition, the “dum-dum” bullets were made from soft lead which often expanded upon impact.
The Royal Army Medical Corps
The efficiency of the medical teams was impressive. The Royal Army Medical Corps, first established during the Crimean War, played an integral part in preserving the lives of a number of the soldiers. Surgical practices had made considerable advancements during the late 19th century, most notably in the American Civil War. George Henry Makins was one of the most prominent surgeons during this era, releasing a fundamental text regarding military surgery in 1901.
An number of advancements were made during the Boer War. It was the first conflict to use sterile gauze pads covered by waterproofing. It also pioneered the use of safety pins. Most wounds damaged bones, so increased speed and efficiency was paramount in working with splints. These splints were made from canvas and bamboo strips sewn in. They would then be covered by Plaster of Paris to create a cast. X-rays were also utilized for the first time in combat situations.
Sources:
Keith M. Wilson, The International Impact of the Boer War (Palgrave, 2001)
Byron Farwell, The Great Boer War (Wordsworth, 1999)
Read more: Buildup to the First Boer War: Establishing the British Colony in South Africa - #ixzz0Cabl2693
Jason Chavis - Jason lives and works out of Minneapolis. He is the author of four books, two movies and a play as well as numerous articles for a variety ...
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