Australian soldiers and bicycles, Boer War

Date1899-1902

Object numberANMS0227[094]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 83 x 108 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

bicyclists

DescriptionA black and white image of three Australian soldier standing in a row with their bicycles in South Africa. Handwritten on the reverse is 'Boer War'.HistoryBicycles had been used in small amounts in the Franco-Prussian War but their use in the Second Boer War was much more extensive. Both the British forces and the Boer forces used bicycles for a number of reasons. The use of horses in mounted troops was fraught with difficulties. The harsh terrain and seasons the horses were forced to endure wore them down quickly. Poor quality and minimal feed along with disease weakened them further. Of the 519 000 horses used by the British, 300, 000 died in the war. There were no motor vehicles suited for the terrain as yet and it was left to bicycles to assist troops in carrying gear and covering distances quickly. Although not suitable for active weapon firing or sword use, the bicycle also allowed scouts to move quickly and quietly. SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.