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The Natal Field Force (NFF) was a special group of soldiers. It was first formed in a place called Natal, which is now part of South Africa. This force was created for the First Boer War in 1880. Later, it was set up again for the Second Boer War (1899–1902). Famous generals like Sir George Pomeroy Colley and Sir Redvers Buller led the NFF.

First Boer War (1880-1881)

Main article: First Boer War

The First Boer War began in December 1880. Boer commandos, who were local farmers and fighters, surrounded British army posts. Sir George Pomeroy Colley, the Governor of Natal, quickly put together the Natal Field Force. This force fought in important battles like Laing's Nek, Schuinshoogte, and Majuba Hill.

The Natal Field Force was made up of different types of soldiers:

  • Five companies from the 58th Regiment of Foot
  • Five companies from the 3rd Battalion, 60th Rifles
  • About 150 cavalry (soldiers on horseback)
  • A group of sailors from the Royal Navy
  • Four cannons from the Royal Artillery

After the battle of Schuinshoogte, the NFF got more help. They were joined by six companies of the 92nd (Gordon) Highlanders and two squadrons of the 15th (The King's) Hussars.

Second Boer War (1899-1902)

Main article: Second Boer War

When the Second Boer War started, General Sir George White became the main commander in Natal. Before him, General Sir Penn Symons had already divided his soldiers into two main groups. These groups were stationed in the towns of Ladysmith and Dundee.

Ladysmith Garrison

The soldiers defending Ladysmith included:

  • 1st Battalion Devonshire Regiment
  • 1st Battalion Liverpool Regiment and its mounted infantry
  • A small group from the 19th Royal Hussars
  • 5th Royal Irish Lancers
  • Artillery units from the Royal Artillery
  • 10th Mountain Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery
  • 23rd Company, Royal Engineers (who built things like bridges)
  • A British field hospital
  • Local colonial troops

Dundee Garrison

The soldiers defending Dundee included:

Other Garrisons

Other groups of soldiers were stationed in different towns:

  • At Pietermaritzburg:
  • At Escourt:
    • Natal Naval Volunteers
    • Natal Royal Rifles
  • At Colenso:
    • Durban Light Infantry

After battles like Talana Hill and Elandslaagte, General White decided to bring all the soldiers from Dundee back to Ladysmith. He wanted to gather all his forces to protect Ladysmith.

The Relief of Ladysmith

Main article: Relief of Ladysmith

During the Second Boer War, the town of Ladysmith was surrounded by Boer forces. The Natal Field Force played a key role in trying to rescue the people and soldiers trapped inside. This rescue mission was called the "Relief of Ladysmith."

Cleary's Division

General Cornelius Francis Clery led a large part of the NFF. This group was sometimes led by General Lyttelton when Clery was sick.

Infantry Brigades

Cavalry Division

A special group of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) was led by Colonel Douglas Cochrane, 12th Earl of Dundonald. This group included:

  • 1st The Royal Dragoons
  • 13th Hussars
  • 14th Hussars (two squadrons joined after the Battle of Spion Kop)
  • Bethune's Mounted Infantry
  • Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry (four companies)
  • South African Light Horse (four squadrons)
  • The Composite Mounted Irregulars:
    • 5th Squadron Natal Carbineers
    • Imperial Light Horse
    • A small group of Natal police
    • One Mounted Infantry Company

Artillery

The cannons and artillery were commanded by Lieutenant-colonel Charles James Long.

  • 1st Brigade Royal Artillery included:
    • 7th Field Battery
    • 14th Field Battery
    • 66th Field Battery
    • One Naval Twelve Pounder Battery (10 x 12-pounder cannons from the ship HMS Terrible)
  • 2nd Brigade Royal Artillery included:
    • 63rd Field Battery
    • 64th Field Battery
  • Naval Artillery Brigade led by Captain Edward Pitcairn Jones (from the ship HMS Forte):
    • One Heavy Battery (2 x 4.7-inch cannons)
    • One Section, Twelve Pounder Battery (2 x 12-pounder cannons from the ship HMS Tartar)

Other units joined after the Battle of Spion Kop:

  • A Mountain Battery
  • A Battery Royal Horse Artillery
  • Two large fortress cannons

Warren's Division

General Sir Charles Warren led another important group, the 5th Division. This group joined the main force after the Battle of Colenso.

Infantry Brigades

  • 11th Infantry Brigade was first led by General Edward Woodgate. He was hurt at Spion Kop and later died. General Arthur Wynne took over but was also wounded. Finally, Colonel Walter Kitchener led this brigade.
  • 10th Infantry Brigade was led by General John Talbot Coke.
    • Imperial Light Infantry
    • 2nd Battalion Dorset Regiment
    • 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment
    • 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry
    • (Some Yorkshire and Warwickshire regiments stayed in Cape Colony)

Support Troops

The Royal Engineers, who were responsible for building and repairing things, were commanded by Lieutenant-colonel George Hamilton Sim. They included:

  • 17th Field Company
  • "A" Pontoon Troop (who built temporary bridges)

Sources

  • Natal Army, www.legionwargames.com

Churchill, W.S. London to Ladysmith via Pretoria, London: Longmans, Green & Co. 1900 at Project Gutenberg Churchill, W.S. Ian Hamilton's March, London: Longmans, Green & Co. 1900 at Project Gutenberg

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