This regiment was raised in February and March, 1901, in Durban, for service in the South African War. It was originally called the 2nd Natal Volunteer Composite Regiment, but a couple of weeks after recruiting commenced, the name was changed to Natal Mounted Infantry. The unit was armed and equipped by the Natal Volunteer Department and horsed by the Imperial Remount Department. The first depot was at Dundee, but, on the unit changing its name, this was transferred to Newcastle.
Lieut-Colonel Friend Addison, formerly of the Natal Mounted Rifles and Colonial Scouts, was appointed to the command, and the establishment was about 400 all ranks. The unit wore the letters N.M.I, on hat and shoulder straps, but there is no record as to the adaption of a badge or motto.
The activities of the N.M.I. were confined to the district of Newcastle, Natal, patrolling the borders, holding detached posts and the general work falling to the duties of an occupying regiment, until the end of the war on 31st May, 1902.
The unit was disbanded in June, after a short existence of four months, during which it did very useful service albeit no fighting.
Source: Short History Of The Volunteer Regiments Of Natal And East Griqualand, Past and Present. Compiled by Colonel Godfrey T Hurst, DSO OBE VD, Honorary Colonel of the Natal Mounted Rifles.
