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I have been researching Boer and South African pioneering history for a while and found some photos of Boers and foreigners in South Africa armed with Winchester rifles in the late 1890s. Very few Boer War enthusiasts are aware of the fact that some Boers did use Winchester rifles during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902.
I have been collecting Boer War and other South African historical firearms for a while (Martinis, Mausers, Enfields, Webleys etc), but have just recently bought my first Winchester, a Model 1876 (made 1883) with Africa express sights. Will share photos as soon as I have sorted out my 3rd party uploading skills!
A German immigrant photographed in Johannesburg with his Winchester rifle:
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General Piet Joubert of the ZAR (Transvaal) address OVS (Free State) Boers at Heilbron after the abortive Jameson Raid, January 1896:
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OVS (Free State) Boer pose for a photo at the start of the Boer War in October/November 1899 showing how they fired on the British armoured train outside Kimberley:
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My Model 1876:
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November 7, 2015
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Very interesting glimpse into the Boer War, something most of us know little or nothing about. I’m not surprised that at least a few Winchesters saw action there, I would expect a few were found in almost every major conflict of that time period where outsiders were involved.
In your research have you found any units that were primarily armed with Winchesters or were they only used by fighters who supplied their own weapons?
Mike
Mike
The Boers only had two small professional artillery units and two professional police units. The rest were normal citizens (mounted infantry militia if you wish) who by law were, in case of war, to join a local commando armed and supplied for about 8 days at own cost. After 8 days the government was to supply their needs. The type of rifle was not specified/issued and therefore a wide variety of types were used according to the preference and means of the individual citizens. The Boer governments imported mostly 7x57mm Mauser Model 95/96/97 rifles and carbines, various Martini-Henry versions and a few odd ball rifles like Krag-Jorgensens and Steyr-made Guedes rifles for resale to its citizens, but local dealers also imported other rifles. Winchester were never officially imported (that we know of) as I am sure they were more expensive than competing European offerings. But, it seems a number of possibly better off Boers privately acquired them. I have also seen listings of Winchester ammunition being kept in the government magazines for resale to the citizens, so there must have been a few.
I am not aware of any units on British side using the Winchester officially, but some Canadians and a few officers might have carried them as suggested in another posting on this forum.
MC
TXGunNut said
Very interesting glimpse into the Boer War, something most of us know little or nothing about.
What, there’s anyone here who hasn’t seen Breaker Morant…at least once! I’m shocked, if so; to be ignorant of Rule 303 is shameful.
November 7, 2015
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clarence said
What, there’s anyone here who hasn’t seen Breaker Morant…at least once! I’m shocked, if so; to be ignorant of Rule 303 is shameful.
Can’t say I have, which is pretty remarkable as much as I enjoy old movies. Only movie I recall seeing about the Boer war seemed to be dominated by the Martini. It appears my DVD library needs upgrading.
Mike
TXGunNut saidIt appears my DVD library needs upgrading.
Mike
Badly. Here’s a remedy: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Breaker-Morant-DVD-1999-Fox-Lorber-Bruce-Beresford-RARE-OOP/323291423755?epid=3059937&hash=item4b45aba40b:g:SBQAAMXQMXRQ7ZhO
If you regret spending the dough (you won’t), I’ll reimburse you.
Great movie, as a kid I remember seeing the anzac march in sydney with my dad.around 1968. A loan horse, being lead in front of the WW1 Vertrans, had the stirrups reversed, or tucked up over the saddle, (i may be wrong) which I think my dad said was a sign of respect for as there were no boar war veterns alive.
BOER War. Boer if Afrikaans for farmer. That is just what they were, normal farmers armed not with pitchforks but with the best rifles money could buy. Farmers who were willing to take on the world’s super power to preserve their freedom.
(A boar is an animal best server roasted on an open fire…
)
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Adding to the Boer War story. If Lord Kitchener had not imprisoned and starved the Boer woman and children in “Concentration Camps” it is very likely the Boers fighters would not have surrendered and may well have defeated the British and kept their freedom.
Saw an 1876 in 50-95 that came out of Africa. It had the name of a German man and the date inscribed on the receiver. I bet there were a lot of the large caliber guns there at this time.
Yep ‘Breaker Morant’ is a good one, probably seen it a 1/2 dozen times.
Check it out Mike, you won’t be sorry.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
November 7, 2015
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Kevin Jones said
Yep ‘Breaker Morant’ is a good one, probably seen it a 1/2 dozen times.Check it out Mike, you won’t be sorry.
It’s on the way from Amazon, had a couple other items to order as well.
Mike
December 8, 2024
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I am a fan of the Winchester 1895 and you would think some may have got to South Africa for the Boer War but I have never come across any pictures or other reference to them, a 1895 in 303British would have done quite well I think but the rifle was only a few years old and Royal Navy boycott of South Africa stopping arms to the Boers did not help , if any one has any pictures or reference please post, Thanks
Cheers
Steve
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