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The South African Constabulary (SAC) between 1900 – 1908 was a military organisation disguised as a police force. The aim of this force was to have it take over after the South African War, in order to instill peace in the country. The British did not fully recognise the SAC as an army wing, regardless of the fact that it took on some military roles during its existence. |
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{{Infobox military unit |
{{Infobox military unit |
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| image = |
| image = |
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| image_size = |
| image_size = |
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| dates = |
| dates = September 1900 - June 1908 |
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| country = [[South Africa]] |
| country = [[South Africa]] |
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| allegiance = |
| allegiance = [[British Empire]] |
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| type = [[ |
| type = [[paramilitary|Paramilitary Mounted Infantry]] |
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| role = |
| role = Military Police<br>Scouts |
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| size = |
| size = 10,000 maximum |
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| command_structure = |
| command_structure = |
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| garrison = |
| garrison = |
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| equipment = |
| equipment = |
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| equipment_label = |
| equipment_label = |
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| battles = |
| battles =[[Second Boer War]]<br>[[Bambatha Rebellion]] |
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| anniversaries = |
| anniversaries = |
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| decorations = |
| decorations = |
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| battle_honours = |
| battle_honours = |
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| website = |
| website = |
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| start_date = |
| start_date = |
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|notable_commanders= [[Robert Baden-Powell]]<br>[[Sam Steele]] |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:Robert Baden-Powell in South Africa, 1896.jpg|thumb|right| |
[[File:Robert Baden-Powell in South Africa, 1896.jpg|thumb|right|Robert Baden-Powell, the first Inspector- General of the South African Constabulary.]] |
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The '''South African Constabulary''' (SAC) was a [[paramilitary]] force set up in 1900 under [[British Army]] control to police areas captured from the two independent [[Boer]] republics of [[South African Republic|Transvaal]] and [[Orange Free State]] during the [[Second Boer War]]. Its first Inspector-General was [[Major-General (British Army)|Major-General]] [[Robert Baden-Powell]], later the founder of the worldwide [[Scout Movement]]. After hostilities ended in 1902, the two countries became [[Crown colony|British colonies]] and the force was disbanded in 1908. |
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==Establishment== |
==Establishment== |
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With the capture of Pretoria and Johannesburg by the British in the summer of 1900, a garrison force of paramilitary soldiers was required to continue occupation and military duties in the area. In June, the '''Provisional Transvaal Constabulary''' was established as an irregular paramilitary force of mounted soldiers intended for use in the vicinity of Pretoria. Men were drawn from the [[Imperial Yeomanry]] and Brabant’s Horse, and served on Harrison duties in the city. By September, a more permanent force was required for duties across the Transvaal. |
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The South African Constabulary (SAC) was a [[para-military]] [[police]] force raised by the [[British army]] during the South African War, also known as the [[Anglo-Boer War]]. The SAC was established in September 1900 after the siege of [[Mafikeng]], and the intention was to take over from [[United Kingdom|British]] troops once peace had been enforced in the [[Transvaal Colony|Transvaal]] and the [[Orange River Colony|Orange River]] colonies. However, the war continued for longer than had been envisaged and the SAC became involved in combat rather than policing. <ref name ="Rhinoresearch">{{cite web |url=http://rhinoresearchsa.com/History%20of%20the%20South%20African%20Constabulary.htm |title=BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=rhinoresearchsa.com |publisher=Rhino Research |accessdate=15 September 2014}}</ref> On 22 October 1900, [[Lord Roberts]] issued a proclamation known as Proclamation 24 which gave rise to the SAC. At first, the force was organised in four divisions, with each being commanded by a colonel and one assistant. Three of the divisions were in the [[Transvaal]] and one in the [[Orange River Colony]]. Each division was subdivided into troops of 100 men, each commanded by a captain and lieutenant. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/2004-south-african-constabulary?showall=1|title=South African Units: South African Constabulary|last1=Curtis|first1=RS |last2= |first2= |date= |website=AngloBoer War.com|publisher= |accessdate=15 November 2017}}</ref> |
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On 22 October 1900, [[Frederick Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts|Field-Marshal Lord Roberts]], commander-in-chief of [[British Empire|Imperial]] forces in South Africa, issued Proclamation 24 which founded the SAC.<ref name = ABW>{{cite web |url=https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/2004-south-african-constabulary?showall=1|title=South African Units: South African Constabulary|last1=Curtis|first1=RS |date= |website=AngloBoer War.com|publisher= |access-date=15 November 2017}}</ref> |
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The first inspector general of the force was [[Major-general (United Kingdom)|Major-General]] [[Robert Baden-Powell]] {1857-1941) who, earlier in the war, had been in command of British forces at the [[Siege of Mafeking]]. He was famous for his exceptional ability to organise the force from scratch in a short space of time. He managed to recruit a force from the two British colonies the [[Cape]] and [[Colony of Natal|Natal]], which had at this time formed part of a united [[South Africa]]. Baden-Powel also recruited men from [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]], [[Canada]], [[India]], [[Ceylon]], [[England]] and [[Ireland]].<ref>{{cite book |first=Tim |last=Jeal |authorlink=Tim Jeal |title=Baden-Powell |publisher=[[Hutchinson (publisher)|Hutchinson]] |location=London|year=1989 |isbn= 0-09-170670-X}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ek2gKC8EMD4C&pg=PT405&lpg=PT405&dq=%22Boss+of+the+Plains%22+hat+Baden-Powell&source=bl&ots=3dMGE9dteJ&sig=L6yAAYVjAVar_XdCaUuvtvSsF0M&hl=en&sa=X&ei=TToXVNi5BI_latzggsgG&ved=0CEAQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=%22Boss%20of%20the%20Plains%22%20hat%20Baden-Powell&f=false (Chapter 7, part 2)],</ref> From the time the force was raised until the end of the war it was not able to undertake police duties, but was employed as a military force under the commander-in-chief, and was constantly engaged in field operations and on [[blockhouse]] lines. |
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The SAC had a medical corporal for each troop of 100 men, whose function was first aid. There was a doctor allocated to any area where a number of troops might be stationed. South African Constabulary hospitals were established at each divisional headquarters. As the force gradually dispersed over the country in small detachments, it was necessary, as district surgeons and local civil hospitals were non-existent, to establish small South African Constabulary hospitals in the Districts. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/2004-south-african-constabulary?showall=1|title=South African Units: South African Constabulary|last1=Curtis|first1=RS |last2= |first2= |date= |website=AngloBoer War.com|publisher= |accessdate=15 November 2017}}</ref> |
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The first Inspector-General of the force was Major-General Baden-Powell, who earlier in the war had been in command of the British garrison at the [[Siege of Mafeking]]. He showed exceptional ability in organising a force from scratch in a short space of time. In South Africa he recruited men from the two British colonies of the [[Cape Colony|Cape]] and [[Colony of Natal|Natal]] and from overseas men from the [[British Empire]]: |
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*[[Canada]] (many from "C" Battery and "B" Battery, RCFA, led by [[Sam Steele]]) |
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*[[India]] |
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*[[Ceylon]] |
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*[[Australia]] |
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*[[New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite book |first=Tim |last=Jeal |author-link=Tim Jeal |title=Baden-Powell |publisher=[[Hutchinson (publisher)|Hutchinson]] |location=London|year=1989 |isbn= 0-09-170670-X}} [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ek2gKC8EMD4C&dq=%22Boss+of+the+Plains%22+hat+Baden-Powell&pg=PT405 (Chapter 7, part 2)],</ref> |
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At first the force was organised in four divisions, with each being commanded by a colonel and one assistant. Three of the divisions were in the [[Transvaal Colony|Transvaal]] and one in the [[Orange River Colony]]. Each division was subdivided into troops of 100 men, each commanded by a captain and supported by a lieutenant.<ref name=ABW/> |
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==End of War== |
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| ⚫ | In November 1902, |
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| ⚫ | Baden- |
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[[File:Robert Baden-Powell in uniform of the South African Constabulary.jpg|thumb|Robert Baden-Powell in uniform of the South African Constabulary]] |
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| ⚫ | Boer resistance lasted far longer than the British had envisaged, with peace not being agreed until May 1902, and until then the SAC was involved in military rather than policing duties, being engaged in field operations and on [[blockhouse]] lines.<ref name ="Rhinoresearch">{{cite web |url=http://rhinoresearchsa.com/History%20of%20the%20South%20African%20Constabulary.htm |title=BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date= |website=rhinoresearchsa.com |publisher=Rhino Research |access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Once hostilities were over, each troop took up its assigned position in the two new colonies as soon as possible. In this way a network of posts and patrols was established in a very short space of time. With the SAC patrolling in every direction, including the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] and [[Tongaland]] frontiers, they also visited all the farms at least once a week. By the beginning of August 1902, 28 districts, 64 sub-districts and 210 stations across South Africa were occupied and the force had over 10,000 men.<ref name="ABW"/> A medical structure was set up, with a first-aid corporal attached to each 100-man troop, a surgeon for any area where a number of troops might be stationed and an SAC hospital for each district.<ref name="ABW"/> |
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| ⚫ | In November 1902, the size of the force was reduced to 6 000 men and after further reductions it was down to 4,000 men in 1906. During this time, a commission of enquiry was appointed to look into the administration and organisation of the SAC. The commission divided the force into two divisions in the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony and changed the military ranks into civilian ones, for example captains became inspectors and lieutenants became sub-inspectors. By May 1908, after further reductions, there were 1,068 police of European ancestry in the Transvaal and 674 in the Orange River Colony.<ref name="ABW"/> |
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==Dissolution== |
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| ⚫ | The South African Constabulary was disbanded on 2 June 1908. Many of the members from other countries made South Africa their permanent home and their records in the [[National Archives of South Africa]] give comprehensive information, including a physical description, their date and place of birth, marital status, occupation at entry, religion, name and address of next of kin, and details of promotions and transfers.<ref name="Rhinoresearch"/> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Law-enforcement-stub}} |
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[[Category:Second Boer War]] |
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[[Category:Military units and formations of the Second Boer War]] |
[[Category:Military units and formations of the Second Boer War]] |
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[[Category:Military history of South Africa]] |
[[Category:Military history of South Africa]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Defunct gendarmeries]] |
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[[Category:Defunct law enforcement agencies of South Africa]] |
[[Category:Defunct law enforcement agencies of South Africa]] |
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[[Category:Law enforcement in South Africa]] |
[[Category:Law enforcement in South Africa]] |
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Latest revision as of 22:07, 29 January 2024
| South African Constabulary | |
|---|---|
| Active | September 1900 - June 1908 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Type | Paramilitary Mounted Infantry |
| Role | Military Police Scouts |
| Size | 10,000 maximum |
| Engagements | Second Boer War Bambatha Rebellion |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Robert Baden-Powell Sam Steele |
The South African Constabulary (SAC) was a paramilitary force set up in 1900 under British Army control to police areas captured from the two independent Boer republics of Transvaal and Orange Free State during the Second Boer War. Its first Inspector-General was Major-General Robert Baden-Powell, later the founder of the worldwide Scout Movement. After hostilities ended in 1902, the two countries became British colonies and the force was disbanded in 1908.
Establishment[edit]
With the capture of Pretoria and Johannesburg by the British in the summer of 1900, a garrison force of paramilitary soldiers was required to continue occupation and military duties in the area. In June, the Provisional Transvaal Constabulary was established as an irregular paramilitary force of mounted soldiers intended for use in the vicinity of Pretoria. Men were drawn from the Imperial Yeomanry and Brabant’s Horse, and served on Harrison duties in the city. By September, a more permanent force was required for duties across the Transvaal.
On 22 October 1900, Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, commander-in-chief of Imperial forces in South Africa, issued Proclamation 24 which founded the SAC.[1]
The first Inspector-General of the force was Major-General Baden-Powell, who earlier in the war had been in command of the British garrison at the Siege of Mafeking. He showed exceptional ability in organising a force from scratch in a short space of time. In South Africa he recruited men from the two British colonies of the Cape and Natal and from overseas men from the British Empire:
- Canada (many from "C" Battery and "B" Battery, RCFA, led by Sam Steele)
- India
- Ceylon
- Australia
- New Zealand[2]
At first the force was organised in four divisions, with each being commanded by a colonel and one assistant. Three of the divisions were in the Transvaal and one in the Orange River Colony. Each division was subdivided into troops of 100 men, each commanded by a captain and supported by a lieutenant.[1]
Baden-Powell designed the uniform of the SAC, which he later adapted for the Boy Scout movement.[3]
Operations[edit]
Boer resistance lasted far longer than the British had envisaged, with peace not being agreed until May 1902, and until then the SAC was involved in military rather than policing duties, being engaged in field operations and on blockhouse lines.[4]
Once hostilities were over, each troop took up its assigned position in the two new colonies as soon as possible. In this way a network of posts and patrols was established in a very short space of time. With the SAC patrolling in every direction, including the Portuguese and Tongaland frontiers, they also visited all the farms at least once a week. By the beginning of August 1902, 28 districts, 64 sub-districts and 210 stations across South Africa were occupied and the force had over 10,000 men.[1] A medical structure was set up, with a first-aid corporal attached to each 100-man troop, a surgeon for any area where a number of troops might be stationed and an SAC hospital for each district.[1]
In November 1902, the size of the force was reduced to 6 000 men and after further reductions it was down to 4,000 men in 1906. During this time, a commission of enquiry was appointed to look into the administration and organisation of the SAC. The commission divided the force into two divisions in the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony and changed the military ranks into civilian ones, for example captains became inspectors and lieutenants became sub-inspectors. By May 1908, after further reductions, there were 1,068 police of European ancestry in the Transvaal and 674 in the Orange River Colony.[1]
Dissolution[edit]
The South African Constabulary was disbanded on 2 June 1908. Many of the members from other countries made South Africa their permanent home and their records in the National Archives of South Africa give comprehensive information, including a physical description, their date and place of birth, marital status, occupation at entry, religion, name and address of next of kin, and details of promotions and transfers.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e Curtis, RS. "South African Units: South African Constabulary". AngloBoer War.com. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ Jeal, Tim (1989). Baden-Powell. London: Hutchinson. ISBN 0-09-170670-X. (Chapter 7, part 2),
- ^ "South African Constabulary". The African seed of Scouting. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
- ^ a b "BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY". rhinoresearchsa.com. Rhino Research. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
External links[edit]
- http://angloboerwarmuseum.com/Boer70zz8_poussette.html
- http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/boer/southafricaconstabulary_e.shtml
- http://www.angloboerwar.com/units/sac.htm
- http://www.angloboerwar.com/forces/army_canada.htm
- http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/exhibitions/boer/strathconahorse_e.shtml
- http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol121kk.html
- http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol155rw.html