History of South Africa Episode 167 –
In Episode 167 we delve into the British army’s movement towards the Amathola fastnesses, a challenging terrain for an army reliant on wagons.
Leading this army were officers steeped in empire traditions, commanding men from across Great Britain and beyond. While some officers looked down on the colonial soldiers, the journals of these soldiers reveal character and intelligence, showcasing the adventurers of their time. Interestingly, half of the British soldiers were Scottish and Irish, not English.
The officer class, with its system of sale of commissions, symbolised the empire’s class lunacy. Promotion was slow and often based on wealth rather than merit. Despite serving at Waterloo, some officers remained in the same rank for decades, while wealthy individuals like Lord Cardigan rapidly ascended the ranks.
The British army life for privates was harsh, with a minimum enlistment period of ten years for infantry and twelve for cavalry, paid at one shilling a day. After deductions for food, laundry, and medical treatment, little was left. Soldiers often sold their skills to make ends meet.
The army barracks were breeding grounds for disease, with pink eye, dysentery, and fevers rampant. The poorly made uniforms quickly deteriorated in the African climate, becoming tattered and uncomfortable for the soldiers.
By Inscribed “PWR” – R. H. Raymond Smythies (1894). Historical Records of the 40th (2nd Somersetshire) Regiment. Devonport: A. H. Swiss. p. 174., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8751976
The South African bush posed another challenge, with its alien succulents and the constant threat of attack. Sir Peregrine Maitland’s large army mobilized in June 1846, aiming to corner Xhosa chiefs Sandile and Phato, but faced difficulties due to drought and the Xhosa’s guerrilla tactics.
Amidst this, Andries Stockenstrom proposed a bold plan to invade the Transkei, hoping to force a decisive victory. However, the plan was met with skepticism from the British regulars and ultimately led to a stalemate.
The situation changed dramatically with the arrival of biblical rains in September 1846, causing floods and symbolizing a shift in the conflict. The Xhosa ceased hostilities, adopting a passive resistance approach. Maitland’s attempts to negotiate peace were met with mixed results, as some minor Xhosa leaders surrendered while others refused to disarm or return cattle.
The war wound down inconclusively, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of colonial ideologies and missionary influences. Maitland’s plans for the future of the frontier aimed at maintaining British control through expanded borders and administrative strategies.
As the spluttering flames of war subsided, the political landscape both in South Africa and Britain shifted, setting the stage for further developments in the region.
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