Author: Bennett, Will;Bennett, William
Publisher: Leo Cooper
Year: 1999
ISBN: 085052685X
Binding: Hard Cover
Book Condition: As New
Jacket Condition: As New
Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall
Description:
New book, 260 pages. The British Empire suffered one of its greatest crises as the 19th century ended. In December 1899 the Boers inflicted three reverses on the regular British Army in South Africa in 'Black Week'. A nation grown accustomed to succes was stunned. Part of the answer was a very British blend of patriotism and pragmatism. For the first time civilian volunteers were allowed to fight overseas, sparking a popular frenzy. The main rush to join up came as the new century dawned and, by the end of the Boer War, more than 90,000 men had volunteered to serve. Much of the sporting high society joined the newly formed Imperial Yeomanry. These volunteer unit were sent to South Africa amid a wave of jingoistic enthusiasm with little training, and as the book describes, their contribution to Britain's war effort ranged from the heroic to the farcical.