NRS-1254 | New South Wales Bushmen's Contingent's departure to South Africa

Full description

This series comprises photographs of the New South Wales Bushmen's Contingent departing for active service in the Cape Colony during the Boer War. There are photographs of the bushmen in the saddle on inspection parades, an officer on horseback, and a Bushman on horseback, plus scenes of camp life. The Bushmen's Contingent was encamped at Kensington Racecourse Sydney. The actual departure views include photographs of the troop transports Atlantian and Maplemore, plus shots of the Bushmen en route to the waterfront. Along with the Bushmen the departure images cover Major General French and his staff, the Bluejackets, the Lancers, official carriages, and the Police Band en route with these citizen soldiers. Crowds of onlookers and well wishers are evident in all of the departure pictures.