TOPIC:

Part 1 - Introduction and pre-war

This document is sourced from: www.lukemckernan.com/boerwar.pdf

Films in BFI Collections, National Film and Television Archive

INTRODUCTION

The Boer War (also known as the Anglo-Boer War or the South African War, and sometimes referred to as the Second Boer War to distinguish it from a short conflict in 1881) was fought between the forces of the British Empire and the combined forces of the Transvaal and Orange Free State, the two independent Boer republics. The direct cause of the war was the refusal of the Boers (Afrikaners) to offer political rights to the mainly British `Uitlander' immigrant workforce. The larger cause was British imperial ambitions in South Africa, rich in gold and diamonds. The Boers issued an ultimatum, then invaded Natal on 11 October 1899. The existing British forces were beaten back, and the invasion force under Sir Redvers Buller made a two-pronged attack, to the west along the border between Cape Colony and Orange Free State, and to the east in Natal attempting to relieve Ladysmith. Major reverses were suffered at Magersfontein, Colenso and Spion Kop, and the overall command was taken by Lord Roberts, who advanced from the south-west to take first Bloemfontein and then Pretoria (5 June 1900). The fighting then developed into a guerilla war which continued to May 1902, when the Boer forces were eventually subdued by Lord Kitchener. Eight British commercial cameramen are known to have filmed in South Africa during the Boer War. William Kennedy-Laurie Dickson for the British Mutoscope and Biograph Company, Walter Calverley Beevor and Sydney Melsom (there are doubts over his identity) for Robert Paul, John Benett-Stanford, Edgar Hyman and Joe Rosenthal for the Warwick Trading Company, all filmed in the period up to the fall of Pretoria in June 1900. Sydney Goldman, Rosenthal's replacement, and C. Rider Noble (reportedly one of three filming for Walter Gibbons) remained to film the later stages of the war, but no film from this period is known to survive. Other film companies filmed only troops departing or returning to Britain, or resorted to `fake' recreations of battlefield scenes. (There is evidence of at least one amateur taking a cine camera to the war. Although film companies in other countries filmed local news stories relating to the war or produced fake war scenes, only British cameramen were present at the war itself. The claims by Albert E. Smith of the Vitagraph Company of America to have filmed during the Boer War, in his autobiography Two Reels and a Crank (1952), are quite false). This filmography lists all those films and television programmes relating to the war held in the National Film and Television Archive (NFTVA), including events before and after the war and fictional representations. The actuality films are arranged chronologically by date of event (so far as is known). Lengths are given in 16mm or 35mm, with timings (rounded to minutes), and copies available to view are marked `viewing copy'. A large number of the films are accessible in three NFTVA compilations. There is an index of titles, and a Glossary and Who's Who explaining the main persons, locations and events mentioned in the filmography.

Abbreviations used

anim animator
bw black and white
col colour
d director
ft feet
m music
mins minutes
mm millimetres
p producer
pc production company
ph photography
sc script
sd sound
st silent
tx transmission date

Note

Films of the Boer War period do not have on-screen titles, and those given here have all been taken from contemporary film company catalogues and similar sources, the films having been identified chiefly through pictorial or contents information. Unidentified films have been given supplied titles in parentheses.

Note on second edition

The first edition of this catalogue was produced in 1997. This second edition includes two new actuality films of the war acquired or discovered since then (PANORAMIC VIEW OF FRERE CAMP TAKEN FROM THE FRONT OF AN ARMOURED TRAIN and EX-PRESIDENT KRUGER LEAVING HOTEL DE VILLE), further films or television dramas covering aspects of the war (KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS, THE REGIMENT, OUR BRAVE BOYS), and recently-acquired television documentaries (SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA, THE BOER WAR: THE FIRST MEDIA WAR and KITCHENER - THE EMPIRE'S FLAWED HERO). There are some corrections to the text and one addition to the list of sources.

1) Pre-war
This section includes films taken before the outbreak of war but which relate to it in some way, either by showing scenes in South Africa prior to 1899 or relevant British military activity before the war. Joe Rosenthal filmed in South Africa for the Warwick Trading Company in 1898. He returned to South Africa to cover the war there the following year. Amateur cameraman Robert A. Mitchell (from Ulster) also filmed in South Africa in early 1898.

BLUEJACKETS' FIELD GUN DRILL AT DURBAN

ph. Joe Rosenthal (?)
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 1898
35mm bw st 123ft 2mins viewing copy

Small groups of sailors bearing their guns into position, fire, unlimber and then move away to enable the next contingent to take their places.
Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5636b.

(ADDERLEY STREET, CAPE TOWN)

ph. Robert A. Mitchell
date: March? 1898
35mm bw st 70ft 1min viewing copy
View from a high angle of horse-drawn traffic, pedestrians and an
electric tram coming to a stop in Adderley Street.

(THE `BLUFF' DURBAN)

ph. Robert A. Mitchell
date: March? 1898
35mm bw st 75ft 1min viewing copy
Long distance shot of ship The Bluff nearing Durban; it sails towards the camera, turns and passes in medium close shot.

(GANG MAKING RAILWAY - SOUTH AFRICA)

ph. Robert A. Mitchell
date: March? 1898
35mm bw st 74ft 1min viewing copy
Black labourers working at a clearing, railway tracks in background.

(OX WAGON)

ph. Robert A. Mitchell
date: March? 1898
35mm bw st 66ft 1min viewing copy
An ox wagon passes by in distance; another passes closer by; caravan of ox wagons with pedestrians.

(SHIPS COMING INTO ANCHOR, SOUTH AFRICA)

ph. Robert A. Mitchell
date: March? 1898
35mm bw st 64ft 1min viewing copy
Shots from a moving vessel of a coast line, showing houses and yachts
in full sail.

PRESIDENT KRUGER

ph. Joe Rosenthal [or Edgar Hyman]
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: c.June 1898
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
Medium shot of President Kruger leaving his residence (crossing from left to right) and stepping into a waiting carriage to be driven off to the Volksraad (the legislative assembly of the Transvaal). Note: Stephen Bottomore credits the photography of this film to Joe Rosenthal; John Barnes credits Edgar Hyman. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5115: "This photograph - the only animated presentment of the President of the South African Republic - is a very fine example of animated portraiture. The President is portrayed as he leaves his residence and steps into his carriage, to be driven off to the Volksraad. The well-known figure of `Oom Paul' is unmistakeably delineated, and the beautiful carriage, the bravely-caparisoned horses and the stately attendants, make up a very complete and valuable picture. When the President has taken his place in the carriage his footman closes the door, jumps up behind, and the vehicle is driven rapidly away, while a bodyguard of mounted horsemen fall into place behind". The 1901 Warwick catalogue adds: "The eyes of the World are at present focussed on Mr Kruger".

THE SEAFORTH HIGHLANDERS' RETURN TO CAIRO AFTER THE FALL OF OMDURMAN AND KHARTOUM

ph. John Benett-Stanford (?)
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: September 1898
35mm bw st 57ft 1min viewing copy
A column of Seaforth Highlanders, with fixed bayonets, marches towards and past the camera down a Cairo street, following the Battle of Omdurman in the Sudan, watched by members of the native population and a few Europeans. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 3045 (Soudan Campaign Films). Omdurman was the major British military offensive immediately prior to the Boer War, in which the Anglo-Egyptian forces under Kitchener defeated the Mahdists. John Benett-Stanford is known to have filmed British troops prior to the battle of Omdurman and is the most likely person to have taken the film. He went on to film the early stages of the Boer War for Warwick.

SIRDAR'S RECEPTION AT GUILDHALL

pc. Paul's Animatograph Works
date: 4 November 1898
35mm bw st 77ft 1min viewing copy
Lord Kitchener (Sirdar, or commander of the Egyptian Army) arrives at the Guildhall in London, accompanied by Lord Edward Cecil, Sir Henry Rawlinson and Captain J.K. Watson; Kitchener seen leaving the Guildhall.
Note: The reception followed Kitchener's military triumph in the Sudan. He would go on to play a leading part in the latter stages of the Boer War.

THE LANDING OF SAVAGE SOUTH AFRICA AT SOUTHAMPTON

pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: mid-1899
35mm bw st 51ft 1min viewing copy
Black African members of the `Savage South Africa' troupe perform a war dance on the docks at Southampton. A white man (Frank E. Fillis?) directs them. Note: `Savage South Africa' was a troupe of black African performers organised by South African showman Frank E. Fillis, which recreated scenes from African wars at the Empress Theatre, Earl's Court. Records of the show were filmed by the Warwick Trading Company (see below). There is no direct connection with the Boer War.

SAVAGE SOUTH AFRICA - ATTACK AND REPULSE

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: August 1899
35mm bw st 76ft 1min viewing copy
Recreation of part of the `Savage South Africa' show from Earl's Court, filmed in the open air, showing an attack by the Matabele being repulsed by British forces with the use of Maxim gun fire. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5374. Although there is no direct connection with the Boer War, this film has been mistakenly referred to as a `fake' newsfilm of the war in the past.

Part 2 - The war

The actuality films of the war are arranged chronologically, as far as possible, reflecting events in South Africa and Britain as the film companies were able to cover them. General or approximate dates file before specific dates of events. The section covers events to the end of 1902. Most films come from four main producers:

i) British Mutoscope and Biograph Company

Biograph's cameraman was William Kennedy-Laurie Dickson, accompanied by his assistants William Cox and Jonathan Seward. Dickson, who recounts his experiences in The Biograph in Battle (1901), sailed from Southampton on 14 October 1899 aboard the SS Dunottar Castle along with Sir Redvers Buller. Dickson followed Buller's progress from Cape Town to Durban, and thereafter to the camp at Frere, where he filmed during the Battles of Colenso and Spion Kop. He followed Buller into Ladysmith, then covered the fall of Bloemfontein and Pretoria to Lord Roberts before leaving South Africa on 18 July 1900. Dickson used the bulky 70mm Mutograph camera (NFTVA viewing copies are on 35mm).

ii) Paul's Animatograph Works

Robert Paul is known to have had two cameramen working in South Africa, recruited from the British armed forces. One was Surgeon-Major Walter Calverley Beevor, of the Scots Guards; the other is not given in British sources, but Thelma Gutsche names Sydney Melsom of the City Imperial Volunteers (no such name is listed among the CIV, but there was a F.A. Melsom). Beevor was probably able to film between October 1899 and February 1900, when he filmed the surrender of Cronje to Lord Roberts. Paul also produced `fake' newsfilms of the war (none survive).

iii) Warwick Trading Company

The Warwick Trading Company, run by Charles Urban, had four cameramen in South Africa: John Benett-Stanford, Edgar Hyman, Joe Rosenthal and Sydney Goldman. Benett-Stanford (who had filmed at the Battle of Omdurman the year before) filmed in the Orange Free State with General Gatacre from November 1899, probably until January 1900. Hyman was a South African theatrical impresario who mostly sent films from Cape Colony. Rosenthal left Britain on the Avondale Castle on 1 December 1899, arriving mid-January, probably as a replacement for Benett- Stanford. He joined Buller's army in Natal before crossing over into Orange Free State to follow Roberts to Pretoria (where he was joined by Hyman). He returned in June 1900, being replaced by Sydney Goldman (none of whose films are known to survive).

iv) Hepworth & Co.

Cecil Hepworth's Hepworth & Co. did not send anyone to South Africa,
and hence only covered events in Britain. Several of the films are
contained only within the newsfilm compilations THROUGH THREE REIGNS
(GB 1922 pc. Hepworth) and ROYAL REMEMBRANCES (GB 1929 pc. Gaumont).

(GORDON HIGHLANDERS LEAVE FOR THE BOER WAR)

pc. [unknown]
date: October 1899
35mm bw st 62ft 1min viewing copy
A procession of Gordon Highlanders, led by pipers, marches from left to right in front of the camera and before watching crowds. Small boys are brushed out of the way. Taken at Union Terrace, Aberdeen. Note: Possibly filmed by the Aberdeen-based film-makers Paul Robello and William Walker. A shorter version (46ft) is held under the title SCOTTISH TROOPS LEAVE FOR SOUTH AFRICA).

GENERAL BULLER EMBARKING ON THE `DUNOTTAR CASTLE' AT SOUTHAMPTON

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 14 October 1899
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
Watched by crowds, Sir Redvers Buller, Lady Buller, the Mayor of Southampton and others walk along the gangway leading to the ship towards the camera. He pauses to be introduced to one of the ship's officers before embarking. Fortuitously W.K-L. Dickson, war cameraman for the British Mutoscope and Biograph Company, can be seen (without camera) standing on the bottom left. Note: Buller was setting off to head the British armed forces in South Africa. W.K-L. Dickson travelled on the Dunottar Castle at the same time. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5473: "Shows the Castle Line Docks, crowded with troops, spectators and well-wishing friends, also the gangway leading to the ship, down which is seen approaching Sir Redvers Buller and staff accompanied by Mayor of Southampton, Lady Buller, and friends, who bid them a hearty farewell. Every personage portrayed in this subject is an absolute portrait. A splendid view of the General was also secured".

THE `ROSLIN CASTLE' (TROOPSHIP) LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 20 October 1899
35mm bw st 65ft 1min viewing copy
Spectators on the quayside at Southampton wave farewell as the crowded troopship Roslin Castle moves away to the right and out of the picture, with large numbers of troops on board waving back. Note: A large number of troopships left Southampton for South Africa over 20/21 October. The Roslin Castle left bearing Major-General Hildyard and 2nd Brigade Staff, special service officers and the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshires. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5476: "The best of the series of the transports leaving Southampton for South Africa. The camera was so placed as to show a large portion of friends and spectators on the docks, who add to the action in the film by a vigorous waving of hats, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, &c., to the 1,700 troops who swarm the decks and rigging of the departing troopship, the full length of which is seen passing before our instrument. No up-to-date exhibition of animated pictures is complete without showing this subject, which is enthusiastically received by all audiences before whom it has been shown".

COLDSTREAM GUARDS EMBARKING ON TROOPSHIP GASCON

pc. Fuerst Brothers
date: 21 October 1899
35mm bw st 26ft 1min viewing copy
Rear view close shot of a line of troops in dark uniform (2nd Coldstreams) passing up the gangplank to board the Gascon troopship at Southampton, while a line of troops in khaki come down the gangplank on the right. A soldier in charge stares at the camera. Note: The 2nd Coldstreams left Southampton for South Africa on the Gascon on 21 October. A frame still under the descriptive title of `Embarkation of the 2nd Coldstreams' is reproduced in John Barnes, Filming the Boer War (1992), p. 146, among a series of photographs from films of the embarkation reproduced from a special supplement of To-Day (23 November 1899). The general descriptions of these closely match known titles taken by Fuerst Brothers. Fuerst took two films under this title, the first (the above) marked `close view', the second marked `Showing the Royal Engineers in the foreground'.

REVIEW OF THE LIFE GUARDS BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 11 November 1899
35mm bw st 118ft 2mins viewing copy
Queen Victoria seated in her carriage with her back to the camera (on the left-hand side of the frame, barely visible), and surrounded by invited guests, acknowledges the salutes of the officers as the 1st and 2nd Life Guards (in khaki) march before her at Spital Barracks, Windsor. Note: The Review took place prior to the Life Guards' departure for South Africa. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5483a: "This is one of the most inspiring films, showing the 1st and 2nd Life Guards on Review before Her Majesty The Queen seated in a carriage surrounded by invited guests, before whom the troops are marching thirty-six abreast, clad in their khaki uniform. As each Company passes, the officers are seen saluting the Royal carriages. Photographed by Royal permission".

DISPERSING THE TROOPS AT WINDSOR AFTER PARADE

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 11 November 1899
35mm bw st 49ft 1min viewing copy
The dispersal of the Companies following the review of the 1st and 2nd Life Guards by Queen Victoria at Spital Barracks (see above); the Companies, drawn up in single file, march towards the rear of the barracks before dispersal. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5486b: "Showing each Company drawn up in single file marching towards the rear of the parade ground, after which they disperse, each going to their different quarters. A splendid ending to the above series. Photographed by Royal pemission". There were six titles in the Warwick series `Mobilization of Troops in England', of which the two titles above formed a part.

THE FIFTH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS DIGGING ENTRENCHMENTS AT ORANGE RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA - THE PASSING OF THE ARMOURED TRAIN

ph. John Benett-Stanford
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 12 November 1899
35mm bw st 35ft 1min viewing copy
A large group of British soldiers digging entrenchments under the supervision of officers. A brief second shot shows an armoured train going past. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5507: "This photograph gives a splendid idea of the rapidity with which our troops throw up entrenchments, showing hundreds digging and shovelling under the supervision of officers and engineers. The fact that many belonging to this regiment appear among the 600 troops missing from General Gatacre's Column after the Stormberg Reverse adds additional interest to this film, the last portion of which shows the passing of the Armoured Train, going in support of Colonel Gough's Column at the Battle of Belmont and Kaffir Kop. While the film is a comparatively short one, every inch of it is valuable owing to the interest at present connected with every portion of the life of our troops during the Campaign. Photographed November 12th, 1899, by Mr Bennett [sic] Stanford".

PANORAMIC VIEW OF FRERE CAMP TAKEN FROM THE FRONT OF AN ARMOURED TRAIN, NOVEMBER 29TH, 1899

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
date: 29 November 1899
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
35mm bw st 32ft 1min viewing copy
'Phantom ride' taken from a moving train (moving right to left) showing to the right-hand side the British encampment at Frere, with rows of white tents, soldiers staring at the train as it goes by, a large number of horses, further tents and some field artillery. The image is very unsteady. Note: Dickson's own account is as follows: "In spite of the general activity we succeeded in getting the use of an engine and flat car, and in taking a Biograph panorama run of the camp. In this undertaking we were materially assisted by the courteous and capable stationmaster. The public must not too severely judge this picture, as the goods van, or flat car, lacked the best of springs, and consequently the scene might show considerable vibration" (The Biograph in Battle, pp. 52-3).

REPAIRING THE BROKEN BRIDGE AT FRERE

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 29 November 1899
35mm bw st 47ft 1min viewing copy
British officers (Royal Engineers) supervising repair work on a bridge at Frere, spanning the Blaauw Krantz River, Natal. In detail: one end of a mangled metal bridge with black workers, white overseers, and some British troops (helmeted but not in full uniform). A team of blacks carries a long girder from right to left across the frame, raising it up a couple of times. Once they are past, the camera pans slightly to the right to show a large stone bridge-support and standing by a few British troops, one wearing a Red Cross armband. Camera pans further right to show more mangled metal. Note: Dickson's own account is as follows: "We wake at dawn to the clash of shunting trains. Breakfast over, we toil at the unloading of our Cape cart and goods in order to take a view of the broken bridge, and the reconstruction of the same. Our Biograph is carried down to the stream facing the bridge, and I get a good view of the new foundation laid for the wooden trestles. The Kaffirs as help are simply invaluable, and they may be seen and heard everywhere as they cheerfully toil, chanting the while keeping time with their work. Every hand stopped work and gazed steadily at the camera while taking the first picture, thus depriving us of the necessary movement. After this we had of course to make another attempt".

ARRIVAL OF WOUNDED AT HOSPITAL SHIP

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: December 1899
35mm bw st 75ft 1min viewing copy
A succession of British soldiers being carried up a gang-plank by stretcher-bearers from the quayside to a hospital ship at Durban; walking casualties make their way up a different gang-plank. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5551b: "A continuous line of sick and wounded being transported by stretcher-bearers on board the Hospital Ship at Durban; while those able to walk follow, supporting themselves on sticks, some with arms in a sling, others using crutches. This picture portrays one of the dark sides of war".

AMBULANCE CROSSING THE MODDER

ph. Walter Beevor (?)
pc. Paul's Animatograph Works
date: 6 December 1899
35mm bw st 74ft 1min viewing copy
Hauled by a long mule train a four-wheeled cart with three British
soldiers crosses the Modder river. Oxen harnessed to a covered ambulance with Red Cross markings drink from the river, then pull the ambulance (apparently carrying Boer wounded) across. Note: Paul catalogue entry: "This beautiful picture has been one of the most appreciated of the War Films, forming in itself a grand and interesting picture, even apart from the fact that it includes a large ambulance wagon drawn by 14 oxen, containing 25 Boer wounded being taken to Cape Town".

RIFLE HILL SIGNAL STATION NEAR FRERE CAMP

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 7 December 1899
35mm bw st 46ft 1min viewing copy
Troops aiming rifles from a British trench on a high vantage point near Frere. An officer (Captain Bartram?) walks along behind them. A flag signaller gives the message, `Have your picket under arms and send out patrol. Kitchener December 7th'. Note: Dickson's own account is as follows: "We again visited the outposts, and managed, not without extreme difficulty, to haul our machine, &c., to the top of Rifle Hill signal station, just in time to catch a message from Colonel Kitchener, which was flagged to picket No. 8, the operators kindly waiting until we got the machine in position before they sent the message. The men were watching the enemy below while the signalling was in progress, Captain Bartram being in command of signal and picket. This is a splendid scene, and one of which we are very proud, for we nearly killed ourselves and our horses in our endeavour to get planted in time. We could not have secured it but for the extreme courtesy of the officer. This is the message which was sent to O.C. No. 8 picket: `Have your picket under arms and send out patrol. Kitchener, December 7th'. It was sent in plain flag, Morse, not code, so that any one who knew Morse could read this message".

LANCERS CROSSING THE MODDER RIVER

ph. John Benett-Stanford
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 8 December 1899
35mm bw st 44ft 1min viewing copy
A long column of Lancers fording a steep-banked river, filmed from one bank, riding towards and past the camera. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5523: "The Lancers, under the Earl of Airlie, fording this famous river after the Enslin engagement, December 8th, 1899. The cavalry is seen descending the steep banks on the opposite side of the stream, and after crossing, gallop close by the camera".

TROOPS PASSING OVER MODDER RIVER BY TRAIN

ph. John Benett-Stanford
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 8 December 1899
35mm bw st 30ft 1min viewing copy
A train, with locomotives and armoured cars at each end, passes over a temporary bridge erected over the Modder river; Seaforth Highlanders are riding in coal trucks and the train passes towards the camera. Note: Warwick catalogue no. 5525: "After the blowing up of the bridge by the Boers, the Army Engineers constructed a temporary structure, over which is seen passing a train with engines and armoured cars at each end, while the Seaforth Highlanders which it is transporting are riding on coal trucks, all passing close to the camera".

BOYS OF H.M.S. `TERRIBLE' GETTING THEIR GUNS INTO POSITION

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 12 December 1899
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
A long double line of British naval ratings hauling a 4.7" naval gun across open country (from right to left) before Colenso. A second group hauling a second gun follows behind. Note: There are two illustrations in The War by Biograph (see Sources), only one of which matches this film, suggesting that Dickson took two scenes. There is no particular passage in The Biograph in Battle which describes the taking of this film. The date given is that prior to the opening of the British assault.

NAVAL GUNS FIRING AT COLENSO

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 14 December 1899
35mm bw st 35ft 1min viewing copy
Close shot of a 4.7" naval gun at Colenso with a group of British naval ratings standing around it. The gun fires and the men run up to reload, then begin to pull the gun forward. Note: Dickson's own account is as follows: "We could only get one Biograph of all this, though magnificently effective, owing to the cloud of dust caused by the recoil and concussion. I was obliged to ignore the kindly advice to stay on the opposite hill and take it from there by the telephoto: but not being very sure of this new lens, I preferred to use my 8-inch Bausch and Lomb, and get within fifty feet instead of 1,500 yards or 2,500 yards. As soon, however, as we had taken the view, I had the machine dismantled and carried behind huge boulders for protection. Our horses, trembling and jumping at every shot, behaved splendidly, however, never moving from the spot, but scared out of their wits. My companions used cotton-wool in their ears to prevent the tremendous concussion, but as I wished to hear which way the shells were coming I preferred to drop my jaw at the word `Fire', a trick I learned at Sandy Hook, U.S., at the firing of the 10in., which answered the purpose very well".

THE AUSTRALIAN MOUNTED RIFLES MARCHING THROUGH CAPE TOWN

ph. Edgar Hyman
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 22 December 1899
35mm bw st 90ft 1min viewing copy
Ground-level view of a column of Australian cavalry riding down Adderley Street, Cape Town, watched by enthusiastic crowds. The man in the foreground apparently directing the camera may be Edgar Hyman. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5526: "A finer lot of troopers, in their picturesque uniforms and mounted on their splendid horses, can hardly be imagined that these, seen marching through Adderley Street, Cape Town, on their way to the front. This regiment has already distinguished itself in many a battle and skirmish with the Boers".

LORD ROBERTS LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 23 December 1899
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
Lord Roberts, preceded by Lady Roberts, walks up gangway with number of dignitaries onto deck of SS Dunottar Castle (filmed from on board the
ship). He pauses to acknowledge the cheers before proceeding to embark. Note: Lord Roberts left to take over the command of the British forces in South Africa from General Buller. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5521: "A splendid picture depicting the arrival of Lord Roberts on board the `Dunottar Castle', December 23rd, 1899, on his way to South Africa. He is preceded up the gangway by Lady Roberts, while scores of firends and officers accompany him on deck, where he is given a rousing reception. Beautifully sharp and clear. Every face a portrait".

(BOER WAR RECRUITMENT MARCH)

pc. Hepworth and Co. (?)
date: c.1900
35mm bw st 51ft 1min viewing copy
A contingent of British troops marching down a street towards the camera.

(TRACTION ENGINE HAULING TIMBER)

pc. Warwick Trading Company (?)
date: c.1900
35mm bw st 72ft 1min viewing copy
A steam traction engine hauling timber in a dockyard, apparently in South Africa. A number of cyclists and troops and a donkey cart pass by. Note: This may be Warwick's TRANSPORTING SUPPLIES BY TRACTION ENGINES, catalogue no. 5541b: "The heavy war stores, guns and amunitions are transported from the steam ship docks to the railway station by means of McKenzie Traction Engines. These powerful machines draw from 10 to 15 heavily laden trucks. The view is full of life and action, and is quite unique and interesting".

(BOER WAR: CROSSING A RIVER)

pc. Paul's Animatograph Works (?)
date: early 1900
35mm bw st 50ft 1min viewing copy
British troops in pith helmets, some on horseback and some leading horses, fording a river and climbing the bank; second view of the river showing horse carts and a long team of oxen pulling a wagon bearing British troops and possibly an artillery piece. Note: Possibly Robert Paul's ARTILLERY CROSSING A RIVER. Paul catalogue entry: "A good scene on the Vaal River, showing naval guns and wagons being drawn over the rocky bed of the river by struggling teams of oxen. It includes two different aspects of a busy and lively scene".

A SKIRMISH WITH THE BOERS NEAR KIMBERLEY BY A TROOP OF CAVALRY SCOUTS ATTACHED TO GENERAL FRENCH'S COLUMN

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: early 1900
35mm bw st 150ft 2mins viewing copy
A staged attack by British troops in South Africa. In three sections: mounted troops riding across open country towards the camera; the troops dismount and set up their Maxim guns; the troops fire from behind some low brushwood. Note: This is the only surviving example of a British military action being staged for the cameras in South Africa, the catalogue description implying that it was meant to be taken as the real thing. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5545: "One of the liveliest scenes yet photographed in three views. I. - The Scouts in pursuit of the Boers. II. - Bringing the Maxims into Action. III. - A Charge and general fusilade. These scenes portray one of the many Brushes with the Boers by a contingent of General French's Army during his march to relieve Kimberley. Several kopjes in the background. (Photographed by Mr. J. Rosenthal, of our War Staff). These pictures produce a stereoscopic effect, and the clear atmosphere gives it a tremendous depth, enabling one to see thousands of troops in the distance fighting at the base of a kopje, while the dust arising from the galloping cavalry lends further realism to this splendid subject".

THE ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION OF LORD ROBERTS AT CAPETOWN

ph. Edgar Hyman
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 10 January 1900
35mm bw st 109ft 1min viewing copy
A guard of honour arrives; Roberts arrives and inspects them; he drives away in his carriage. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5540a: "The first section shows the `Dunottar Castle' lying along side the dock at Cape Town, while the officers and troops who are to receive Lord Roberts, arrive and march past the camera. The second section shows the gangway from the ship, down which Lord Roberts is seen descending. He then inspects the troops drawn up along the docks, and finally steps into a carriage in company with other prominent officers. The portrait of Lord Roberts is a magnificent one, we being specially favoured with a prominent position to do full justice to the event. By kind permission of the Union Castle Steamship Company, Messrs. Donald Currie & Co., agents. (Photographed by Edgar M. Hyman of our War Staff)".

(EMBARKATION OF THE C.I.V. FOR SOUTH AFRICA)

pc. [unknown]
date: 13 January 1900
35mm bw st 49ft 1min viewing copy
City Imperial Volunteers, carrying rifles and equipment, going up the gangplank of a troopship at Southampton. More CIV pass up the gangplank, cheered by civilians.

(THE LAST YEARS OF QUEEN VICTORIA'S REIGN WERE CLOUDED BY THE TRAGEDY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR)

ph. Cecil Hepworth (?)
pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 13 January 1900
35mm bw st 36ft 1min viewing copy (in ROYAL REMEMBRANCES)
City Imperial Volunteers on the quayside at Southampton, waiting to embark for South Africa. Note: The title is that given in the ROYAL REMEMBRANCES compilation film. A shorter version (26ft) is held in the compilation film THROUGH THREE REIGNS under the title (DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS LEFT LONDON AND TOOK SHIP FOR THE SCENE OF ACTION).

BATTLE OF SPION KOP: AMBULANCE CORPS CROSSING THE TUGELA RIVER

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 25 January 1900
35mm bw st 37+45+47ft 2mins
Red Cross ambulances and British troops crossing the Tugela River over the pontoon bridge near Trichardt's Drift, during the British retreat from Spion Kop. There are three separate scenes on three films: [First scene] In the foreground four British soldiers positioned in a trench; in the middle ground a long line of British troops crossing the pontoon bridge, accompanying an ambulance wagon carrying a Red Cross flag; in the distance another ambulance with troops coming down a slope towards the pontoon bridge; and in the extreme distance a large number of wagons and troops taking part in the retreat. [Second scene] The same camera position, with the four men in the trench in the foreground, but only one ambulance wagon in view (having just crossed the pontoon bridge), a few men walking down the slope, and some wagons visible high up in the far distance. [Third scene] Slightly closer shot [using a telephoto lens] from same camera position (distant hills no longer in frame), with same four men in the trench in the foreground, and in the middle distance a Red Cross ambulance being pulled over the pontoon bridge by troops; it is then attached to a team of horses. There are a few men walking down the slope and a couple of men on horseback on the nearer side of the river. Note: This shows the British retreat following the disastrous assault on Spion Kop. The order in which the scenes were taken is not clear. Dickson wrote: "We were not long in following with our Cape cart, and after several hours' severe work for horse and man succeeded in getting a good picture of the Ambulance Corps crossing the Tugela River over a hurriedly spanned pontoon bridge. In the immediate foreground may be seen trenches filled with our men to guard against any sudden attack should the wounded be fired on by the enemy. A little below the Tugela wends its way through great boulders and a rocky bed, over which our sick and wounded must be driven as they make their way down the opposite side across the pontoon bridge and up the embankment where we now are, the worse cases being carried by innumerable volunteer stretcher-bearers, mostly coolies. On the other side, as far as the eye can reach the Red Cross ambulances are seen waiting their turn to make their perilous descent, nearly all of them having been previously emptied of their worst cases of wounded for fear of an upset, the patients being carried over and replaced after arriving at the other side, when comparatively on safe ground. The picture has an additional value that in the background is part of the battlefield where Warren's men fought so gallantly as they advanced towards and up Spion Kop to the right".

CRONJE'S SURRENDER TO LORD ROBERTS

ph. Walter Beevor
pc. Paul's Animatograph Works
date: 27 February 1900
35mm bw st 59ft 1min
Three British cavalrymen ride past from left to right across a flat landscape, with a group of cavalrymen in the background. After a jump-cut there follows a number of cavalrymen leading a covered wagon being pulled by a team of six horses. Piet Cronje, with hat and beard, looks out from the wagon. A large group of cavalry armed with rifles follows. Note: General Cronje surrendered to Lord Roberts at Paardeberg on 27 February 1900. The NFTVA film was previously called (BRINGING A CAPTURED BOER GENERAL ACROSS THE VELDT). Paul catalogue entry: "This historical Film, which is the only one of the subject taken, shows Cronje in a cart after his defeat at Paardeberg, followed by an escort of CIV. As the cart passes the camera, Cronje is seen to look out in astonishment at it. The picture is most successful, considering the circumstances under which it was taken in the early morning".

TROOPS LEAVING PORT ELIZABETH JETTY

ph. Edgar Hyman (?)
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: March 1900
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
Newly-arrived British troops march away from the jetty towards a square and are surrounded by the waiting crowds. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5619b: "A Company of Troops, just arrived by transport, are seen marching from the jetty, surrounded by cheering crowds, and briskly wending their way up the street to the music of a fife and drum corps".

GORDON HIGHLANDERS IN LADYSMITH

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 3 March 1900
35mm bw st 51ft 1min viewing copy
A column of Gordon Highlanders marching out of their camp at Ladysmith to meet General Buller's relief column: troops in khaki kilts march turning a corner and marching to the right past lines of tents. One soldier has an arm missing. They are followed by pipers, drummers and more troops. Note: The film is illustrated on the front cover of Dickson's The Biograph in Battle. Dickson's own account is as follows: "Becomes a busy day for all. By 10 a.m. we have secured a Biograph and other pictures of the beleaguered Gordon Highlanders en route from the camp to welcome the entrance of the relief column, headed by General Buller and Staff".

ENTRY OF THE SCOTS GUARDS INTO BLOEMFONTEIN

ph. Walter Beevor
pc. Paul's Animatograph Works
date: 13 March 1900
35mm bw st 56ft 1min viewing copy
Scots Guards march through the market place in Bloemfontein following its fall to Lord Roberts. In detail: foot soldiers carrying pick-axes or rifles march past the camera, followed by drummers and pipers, officers on horseback, and more foot soldiers. In the background are some public buildings and a few spectators. In the foreground two boys, a bearded Boer, and a black porter carrying a basket walk past. Note: Paul catalogue entry: "This magnificent picture shows almost the whole of the Regiment of the Scots' Guards, including the Pipers, as they marched into the Market Place, and nearly every detail of the men's battle-stained uniforms is seen. This picture was taken after a forced march, and the men, though weary, are marching sturdily to the strains of the bag-pipes".

GENERAL BULLER'S TRANSPORT TRAIN OF OX-TEAMS

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: April-May 1900
35mm bw st 91ft 1min viewing copy
A long procession of ox-drawn wagons, driven by Zulus, coming over the hill towards the camera. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5549a: "Hundreds of oxen drawing heavily-laden waggons passing down a trail over the mountains. Many Zulus and drivers wielding 20-foot whips over their teams. A novel and most interesting scene. (Photographed by Mr J. Rosenthal of our War Staff)".

SIR GEORGE WHITE LEAVING LONDON HIPPODROME

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 9 April 1900
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
Crowds at the entrance to the London Hippodrome awaiting the departure of Sir George White. He emerges in company with Mr Cook, the manager of the theatre, and is immediately surrounded by the enthusiastic crowd. Note: Sir George White was famous as the defender of Ladysmith, and had been invalided home. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5655a: "Showing the entrance of this famous amusement resort lined with thousands of spectators anxious to catch a glimpse of the Hero of Ladysmith as he leaves the theatre. He emerges in company of Mr Cook, the genial Manager of the Hippodrome, and as soon as the crowds catch sight of him they literally mob him in their eagerness to possibly shake hands or get as close as the crush would permit. Surely General White was more at ease in Ladysmith than in the midst of a surging enthusiastic London crowd. By kindness of the Management of the London Hippodrome".

H.M.S. `POWERFUL' ARRIVING IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR

pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 24 April 1900
35mm bw st 54ft 1min viewing copy (in THROUGH THREE REIGNS)
The four-funnelled H.M.S. Powerful, bringing home British troops who had defended Ladysmith, comes in past the Victory which is dressed with flags for the occasion. Note: Held in the THROUGH THREE REIGNS compilation film under the title H.M.S. `POWERFUL' ARRIVES IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR BRINGING HOME THE HEROES OF LADYSMITH. Also held under the title HEROES OF LADYSMITH. Hepworth catalogue no. 101: "This photograph was taken from the pier at Portsmouth, and has for a background Nelson's Flag Ship, the Victory, gaily decorated with bunting in honour of the home-coming of the modern war vessel. The Powerful is bringing home those heroes who fought so well and so successfully at Ladysmith, to whome indeed the credit for preventing the fall of that gallant garrison should be accorded. As the famous war ship passes slowly into the harbour an excellent panoramic view of the vessel is obtained".

THE HEROES OF LADYSMITH MARCHING THROUGH LONDON

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 7 May 1900
35mm bw st 125ft 2mins viewing copy
A naval detachment, including marines, from H.M.S. Powerful, are seen marching through London prior to review by the Prince of Wales. The procession is headed by a military band and includes guns used in the relief of Ladysmith. Taken in long shot, viewed from above. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5658b. There is no description in the Warwick catalogue except to say that the film is similar to no. 5657, the description to which is as follows: "This magnificent film shows the arrival of the `Powerful's' `handy men' at Windsor, marching towards Windsor Castle previous to their inspection by Her Majesty. The procession is headed by the Life Guards' Band, with Captain Lambton leading the heroes of Ladysmith, followed by the Marines, two Maxims, and a 12-pounder gun, painted a khaki colour, these guns being the identical ones used at Ladysmith".

REVIEW OF THE H.M.S. `POWERFUL' NAVAL BRIGADE

pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 7 May 1900
35mm bw st 96ft 1min viewing copy
A naval detachment, including marines, headed by a military band and watched by cheering crowds, passes down the Mall prior to its review by the Prince of Wales at Horse Guards Parade. The procession includes guns used at Ladysmith. A continuation of the above. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5660b: "The guns (painted khaki), used at Ladysmith, are also drawn past, making a most interesting picture, with the Horse Guards Barracks forming an appropriate background".

THE SURRENDER OF KROONSTAD TO LORD ROBERTS

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 12 May 1900
35mm bw st 148ft 2mins
16mm bw st 51ft 2mins viewing copy
View across a river (the Valsch?) with three men standing on a rock to the left watching as a column of British mounted troops cross the river (moving towards the camera and right), with a larger body following in the background. The main body approaches, headed by Lord Roberts, with Lord Kitchener to his right accompanied by an Indian officer. Mounted troops follow, accompanying a wagonette containing the town officials of Kroonstad. The wagonette passes and more mounted troops ride past, some of the horses drinking from the river. Note: The faces of Roberts and Kitchener are in shadow and are not easy to make out. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5678: "Showing Lords Roberts and Kitchener with Staff Officers entering Kroonstad at the head of the Mounted Column of Foreign Attaches, Bodyguard and Wagonnette, in which are seated the Landrost and other Officials who went out to Surrender the town to Lord Roberts. As the Column slowly files into the Town and by our Camera, magnificent portraits of all were secured. Lord Kitchener is mounted on a White Charger (with Indian officer riding beside him), on the right of Lord Roberts, and Sir John Hill Johnes, V.C., on the left of the Commander-in-Chief. This picture is a most valuable one, as it is the first, showing Lord Roberts in Campaign Uniform, and also includes a fine likeness of Lord Kitchener, the first ever produced by a Cinematograph. The other only existing animated pictures, wherein Lord Roberts forms the central figures, were taken by us, namely, Lord Roberts leaving Southampton, and the arrival of the Field Marshal. Photographed by Mr. J. ROSENTHAL, of our War Staff, while with Lord Roberts' Army in South Africa".

THE 5-INCH SIEGE GUNS CROSSING VAAL RIVER

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: c.24 May 1900
35mm bw st 93ft 1min viewing copy
African drivers and British soldiers stand by the bank of the Vaal river urging on the long teams of oxen as they draw the siege guns down towards the water. Note: Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5737a: "Showing a general view of the Vaal River, the stream which is the dividing line between the Transvaal and Orange Free State. The 60,000 men of General Roberts' army were compelled to cross this river by no other means than fording same. This view shows the siege guns being drawn across the stream by ox teams, urged on by native drivers with long whips. Lots of action. A splendid subject". However, it has been suggested that this film may instead be NAVAL GUN CROSSING THE VET RIVER DRIFT, taken by Rosenthal, catalogue no. 5674a: "One of the most interesting of all the South African War Series, showing a 4.7-inch Naval Gun and Transport being drawn across the drift by ox teams which splash through the water and tug at the heavy gun in crossing. As the gun descends the steep embankment of the river it is held back by ropes in the hands of scores of troops. A fine film, photographically perfect".

FIELD AMBULANCES CROSSING THE VAAL RIVER

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: c.24 May 1900
35mm bw st 13ft 1min viewing copy
Mule-drawn covered wagons, each flying the Red Cross flag, are seen fording the Vaal river. Note: Incomplete. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5738a: "Another section of the convoy crossing the river at the same point of view as the preceding picture [THE 5-INCH SIEGE GUNS CROSSING THE VAAL RIVER], showing scores of field hospital and ambulance waggons drawn by mule teams. The fluttering of the Red Cross flags on each waggon with the plunging of the mules and the gestulations of the drivers and members of the Corps lend much life and action to this splendid picture".

WAR BALLOON AND TRANSPORT CROSSING THE VAAL RIVER

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: c.24 May 1900
35mm bw st 96ft 1min viewing copy
A long line of carts and wagons pulled by mules and oxen crossing the river; one wagon has a large balloon attached to it. Note: The British army made use of observation balloons during the Boer War. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5733a: "Much has been written regarding the War Balloon, which is shown in this Picture, with the basket or car attached to the balloon waggon while crossing the Vaal River at Viljohn's Drift. Hundreds of transport waggons, carts, mule and ox teams belonging to this convoy, lend much life to this picture, which aside from the interesting nature of the subject, is a fine example of animated photography. Vereeninging Station is about two days' march from Johannesburg and was reached on May 27th, 1900. Photographed by J. ROSENTHAL, of our S.A. War Staff".

BLOEMFONTEIN - UNFURLING THE FLAG

ph. W.K-L. Dickson
pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 28 May 1900
35mm bw st 48ft 1min viewing copy
The Bloemfontein annexation ceremony, showing the raising of the flag of the newly-named Orange River Colony, with British troops paraded in a circle in market square around flag pole. A large flag is unfurled. Note: On 28 May 1900 at Bloemfontein General Pretyman named the Orange River Colony (formerly the Orange Free State) on behalf of the Queen. The ceremony took place at noon. Dickson's own acount is as follows: "At noon Governor-General Prettyman [sic] and Staff, preceded by a mounted escort, approached the flag-staff, and as soon as the proclamation had been read in a loud, clear voice by that gentleman, Her Majesty's name for the new colony given, the flag was unfurled, cheer after cheer rending the air, while the troops presented arms. And so we have another good slice of mother earth in the Orange Valley River Colony added to our long list of possessions. Long live the Queen! It was a glorious event. Thanks to the Biograph, which faithfully recorded this magnificent scene, the people of the world who were not as fortunate as those present will see what it saw, and doubtless sing `God save the Queen'".

LORD ROBERTS HOISTING THE UNION JACK AT PRETORIA

ph. Joe Rosenthal
pc. Warwick Trading Company
date: 5 June 1900
35mm bw st 87ft 1min viewing copy
Long shot from high angle of British infantry and cavalry lined up to the left of the picture in Church Square, Pretoria, with Lord Roberts on horseback in front leading them in giving three cheers. Second shot from high angle looking across the square as lines of troops on parade march towards the camera. Note: This is an incomplete copy of the original 125ft three-shot film taken by Rosenthal (the opening shot of the flag being raised is missing) on the occasion of the surrender of Pretoria to Lord Roberts. Many believed at this point that the war was over, with most British journalists going home soon afterwards. Edgar Hyman was also filming for Warwick in Pretoria on this day. Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 5726b. "This Film is composed as three views of incidents as follows: The first section shows the hoisting of the Union Jack over the Raadzaal. (The flag used is very small, similar to the one used in Johannesburg, and only just visible in the picture), while many in the crowds cheer. Section two, shows Lord Roberts, staff and troops giving three cheers for the Queen, and in the third section, is seen the review of the troops before Lord Roberts and Staff, Guards of Honour &c. A splendid film of an interesting historic event. Photographed by J. ROSENTHAL of our South African War Staff".

(CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS RETURN FROM BOER WAR)

pc. [unknown]
date: 29 October 1900
35mm bw st 36ft 1min
Contingent of soldiers marching along a roadway (probably the approach to a railway station).

(RETURN OF CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA)

pc. [unknown]
date: 29 October 1900
35mm bw st 74ft 1min viewing copy
Procession of men on foot, horses and horse-drawn carts, marching along decorated streets.

TRAIN-LOAD OF C.I.V.s LEAVING SOUTHAMPTON FOR LONDON

ph. H.V. Lawley (?)
pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 29 October 1900
35mm bw st 44ft 1min viewing copy
A train, decorated with flags and the letters `C.I.V.' moves out of the station, towards and past the camera. Note: This item is held as (CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS RETURN: LEAVING SOUTHAMPTON BY TRAIN) and in slightly different forms under the two titles below. Hepworth catalogue no. 156: "On disembarking from the Auranis the City Volunteers immediately entrained for London. This photograph shows the train steaming along the quays at Southampton immediately aftertaking in its load of soldiers. The train is drawn by a gaudily decorated engine bearing the magic letters C.I.V., and as it steams past the men lean out of their windows and wave their hats and shout merrily to their acquaintances on the quay".

(CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS: AT SOUTHAMPTON ON THE WAY BACK TO LONDON)

ph. H.V. Lawley (?)
pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 29 October 1900
35mm bw st 47ft 1min viewing copy (in ROYAL REMEMBRANCES)
Shot of a train, its engine decked with flags and the letters `C.I.V.', moving out of the station, the troops waving from the windows to the people on the platform. Note: The title is that given in the ROYAL REMEMBRANCES compilation film; train sequence same as above and below.

(THEN CAME THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE C.I.V. AFTER THEIR SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR)

ph. H.V. Lawley (?)
pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 29 October 1900
35mm bw st 25ft 1min viewing copy (in THROUGH THREE REIGNS)
Decorated train leaving a station (same as the above); men marching through London carrying the captured Dutch flag. Note: The title is that given in the THROUGH THREE REIGNS compilation film. The flag sequence alone appears in the ROYAL REMEMBRANCES compilation film as THE RETURN OF THE CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS, and probably comes from the original Hepworth title C.I.V. PROCESSION: CYCLISTS AND INFANTRY, catalogue no. 158 ("In their midst proudly marched a trooper who carried the flag of the late United Dutch Republic, the flag which was captured by the C.I.V.'s at Jacobsdaal").

EX-PRESIDENT KRUGER LEAVING HOTEL DE VILLE

date: November-December 1900
pc. Société Française de Mutoscope et Biographe
35mm bw st 55ft viewing copy (in NFM BIOGRAPH COMPILATION NO. 1)
Crowds gathered outside a large building. Jump-cut to a carriage arriving. Some in the crowd start to wave their hats, and a group of men with President Kruger (obscured) move towards the carriage. Kruger gets into the carriage, stands up and raises his hat. Many in the crowd raise their hats to cheer him as well. Note: One of two Biograph films made showing Kruger in exile, originally shown in Britain at the Palace Theatre, London as EX-PRESIDENT KRUGER LANDING AT MARSEILLES (on 28 November 1900) and EX-PRESIDENT KRUGER LEAVING HOTEL DE VILLE (on 11 December 1900). Kruger went into exile in May 1900, living in the Netherlands until the end of the war, and dying in exile in Switzerland in 1904. The Hotel de Ville is presumably that in Paris.

KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON

pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 12 July 1902
35mm bw st 54ft 1min viewing copy
Decorated street with banners reading `Upholders of the Empire' and `Welcome Home' with railway station in the background. Part of a procession consisting of open carriages and cavalry passes through decorated street lined with troops and crowds. Lord Roberts precedes Lord Kitchener on his departure from the Harley Institute. Kitchener steps into an open carriage and salutes. General French is also present. Note: Incomplete, with some of the missing sequences occurring in the film below. Hepworth catalogue no. 322: "General Viscount Kitchener, Generals French and Ian Hamilton and Staff, pass twice along the quay at Southampton for inspection of Guards drawn up in line; excellent portraits of all are obtained, and the picture is a very brilliant and pleasing one. A further portion of the film is devoted to a splendid piece of animated portraiture, wherein we see Lord Kitchener entering his carriage after leaving Hartley Institute. He slowly descends the steps of the Institute, pauses for a while to salute in full view of those gathered to welcome him; then enters his carriage and stands for some moments gazing straight at the camera. He then salutes again and takes his place, while General French and the Mayor, take their seats beside him. Then Lord Kitchener's carriage is seen entering the railway station - which is beautifully decorated - and portraits of the General and his Staff are again obtained; while in the last part we have a splendid view of the special train drawn by a beautifully decorated engine, bearing a portrait of the famous General. This is an exceedingly fine film, full of interest from end to end".

(ANOTHER REMARKABLE FIGURE OF THOSE DAYS - LORD KITCHENER OF KHARTOUM)

pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 12 July 1902
35mm bw st 108ft 1min viewing copy (in THROUGH THREE REIGNS)
Lord Kitchener walking alongside Southampton quayside accompanied by staff officers. Kitchener in an open carriage with General French passing through decorated streets. Train with letter `K' and portrait of Kitchener steams out of the station. Note: The title is that given in the THROUGH THREE REIGNS compilation film. This features sequences from KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON (see above), including shots missing from the main copy.

LORD KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON - JULY 12TH

pc. British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
date: 12 July 1902
35mm bw st 51ft 1min viewing copy
Lord Kitchener, accompanied by staff officers (including John French and Ian Hamilton), inspects troops on Southampton quayside, going round twice, on his return from the Boer War. Note: The same event, from virtually the same position, as the opening shot of KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON (see above). Kitchener had signed the Treaty of Vereeniging, following the Boers' surrender, on 31 May 1902.

ARRIVAL OF THE BOER GENERALS BOTHA, DELAREY AND DE WET

ph. Jack Smith
pc. Paul's Animatograph Works
date: 16 August 1902
35mm st bw 97ft 2mins viewing copy
The Boer generals (Louis Botha, Koos De la Rey, Christiaan De Wet) walk down the gangplank from the Saxon onto the Southampton quayside, accompanied by Mr Brebner, their secretary. A large, enthusiastic crowd watches them land and walk along the dock. Note: Incomplete, with the latter section from the appearance of Lords Kitchener and Roberts given below missing. The Boer generals came to Britain to negotiate terms with Secretary of State for the Colonies Joseph Chamberlain. Paul catalogue entry: "The `Saxon' coming alongside the quay, with the Boer Generals on board cheered by crowds of spectators. The Generals disembarking and passing along the gangway in the following order - Louis Botha, Delarey and De Wet. The first and last of these raise their hats in answer to the acclamations of the crowd. A close view of the Generals is then seen as they pass along the jetty, Louis Botha on the right, De Wet in the centre and Delarey on the left. De Wet is wearing a square bowler hat. Another view after landing shows a little procession headed by Lords Roberts and Kitchener in mufti, Lord Kitchener walking with a stick and wearing a straw hat, Lord Roberts wearing a tweed cap, followed by Colonel Stackpole. Preceded by a policeman and an inspector the three Generals are next seen walking directly towards the camera. Louis Botha on the left, accompanied by Mr Fischer, shakes hands with two of the spectators who eagerly press forward. De Wet is seen on the right of Mr Ritz. Very clear, sharp and unobstructed view".

DEPARTURE OF MR CHAMBERLAIN FOR SOUTH AFRICA

pc. Hepworth and Co.
date: 25 November 1902
35mm bw st 50ft 1min viewing copy (in THROUGH THREE REIGNS)
Joseph Chamberlain (Secretary of State for the Colonies) and his wife alight from a railway carriage, and he is greeted by a group of people on the platform; he walks alone towards the ship. The Good Hope sailing out of the harbour. Note: Incomplete. Following his meetings with the Boer generals (see above) Chamberlain journeyed to South Africa to view the post-war situation for himself. Held under the title TOWARDS THE END OF THAT YEAR MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN LEFT ENGLAND FOR SOUTH AFRICA ON H.M.S. `GOOD HOPE' (JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN WENT TO S.A. TO SIGN THE TREATY OF PEACE) in the THROUGH THREE REIGNS compilation film. Hepworth catalogue no. 392: "An interesting record has been secured of the departure of Mr Chamberlain in H.M.S. `Good Hope'. The film opens with the Royal train steaming alongside the Jetty at Portsmouth, and the saloon in which The Colonial Secretary travelled is drawn up directly in front of our camera. Mr & Mrs Chamberlain alight, and smilingly acknowledge the reception accorded to them. A close animated portrait is secured while The Colonial Secretary stands chatting to his friends, and he is afterwards seen walking along the gangway to the ship. The `Good Hope' then slowly steams away from Portsmouth Harbour, and the film finishes with a full view of the ship, with flags flying, and bluejackets standing at their posts".

Part 3 - Fakes and dramatisations

A number of film companies, not able to send a cameraman to the war and responding both to public demand for pictures and public disappointment with the lack of action in actual war films, produced `fake' war films. These showed recreated incidents from the war in proximity, and corresponded with the audience's idealised picture of the fighting. The American company Edison produced a number of such films, from both a Boer and a British angle. In Britain several political fiction films were produced on a Boer War theme, as well as a number of `fakes', notably those from Mitchell and Kenyon (Norden films), filmed in the Blackburn area.

A PRIZE FIGHT OR GLOVE FIGHT BETWEEN JOHN BULL AND PRESIDENT KRUGER

GB 1900
ph. John Sloane Barnes
pc. Anglo-American Exchange
35mm bw st 90ft 1min viewing copy [nitrate]
A political pantomime on the Boer War in the form of a boxing match between John Bull and President Kruger. The seconds for Kruger are France and Russia; for John Bull, the USA. Note: Copyrighted 15 March 1900. The title has been taken from the copyright form in the Public Record Office, but the film is given in the Warwick Trading Company catalogue no. 6065a as THE SET-TO BETWEEN JOHN BULL AND PAUL KRUGER: "A most interesting boxing match, in which the whole history of the Transvaal War is typified. At the outset John Bull receives several nasty knocks, and on one occasion suffers heavily owing to Kruger displaying a white flag, and having taken him off his guard, knocks him down from behind. The French General who acts as second to Kruger, is intensely amusing, whilst Uncle Jonathan is seen officiating in the same capacity for John Bull. Finally the `Knock-out' is administered, and John Bull receives the congratulations of his supporters".

THE DISPATCH BEARER

GB 1900
pc. Mitchell and Kenyon
35mm bw st 72ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. Riflemen are attacked by the Boers and left for dead; a Boer removes a dispatch from one of the fallen; another man struggles to his feet, shoots the Boer and proceeds on his way with the dispatch. Note: Filmed in the Blackburn area.

SHELLING THE RED CROSS

GB 1900
pc. Mitchell and Kenyon
35mm bw st 69ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. A nurse receives wounded British soldiers at a Red Cross tent; a Boer emerges from behind the tent and after throwing a bomb in front of the tent runs away; the wounded are brought out of the tent and among the casualties is the nurse. Note: Previously known as (BOER ATTACK ON A RED CROSS OUTPOST). Filmed in the Blackburn area.

WINNING THE V.C.

GB 1900
pc. Mitchell and Kenyon
35mm bw st 58ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. Four British gunners under fire; one falls wounded as the others advance; a cavalryman rides up, drags the wounded man onto his horse and rides off. Note: Previously known as (RESCUE OF A WOUNDED GUNNER). Filmed in the Blackburn area.

BOERS BRINGING IN BRITISH PRISONERS

USA 1900
ph. James White (?)
pc. Edison
16mm bw st 33ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. Boer cavalrymen escort a number of men wearing kilts towards and past the camera. Note: Filmed at West Orange, New Jersey. Copyrighted 14 April 1900.

CAPTURE OF BOER BATTERY BY BRITISH

USA 1900
ph. James White
pc. Edison
35mm bw st 81ft 2mins viewing copy
Fake war film. A number of Boers direct rifle and cannon fire at the kilted Highland soldiers advancing towards them. The Highlanders overrun the battery and put the Boers to flight. The camera is positioned behind the line of Boers. Note: Filmed at West Orange, New Jersey. Copyrighted 14 April 1900.

CHARGE OF BOER CAVALRY

USA 1900
ph. James White
pc. Edison
16mm bw st 20ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. Boer cavalrymen ride towards and past the camera brandishing their swords. A solitary rider is left behind and watches as two men ride slowly past the camera. Note: Filmed at West Orange, New Jersey. Copyrighted 16 April 1900.

ENGLISH LANCERS CHARGING

USA 1900
ph. James White
pc. Edison
16mm bw st 34ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. View from behind Boer position as they fire with rifles and a small cannon at advancing force of British lancers on foot and horseback. After hand-to-hand fighting the British withdraw, leaving one of the Boers waving a flag. Note: Filmed at West Orange, New Jersey. Copyrighted 28 April 1900.

RED CROSS AMBULANCE ON BATTLEFIELD

USA 1900
ph. James White (?)
pc. Edison
16mm bw st 50ft 1min viewing copy
Fake war film. Battlefield with cannons and wounded soldiers. A horse-drawn ambulance arrives. Under the direction of officers, some of the wounded are stretchered into the ambulance, which then rides off. Note: Filmed at West Orange, New Jersey. Copyrighted 28 April 1900.

A RESERVIST, BEFORE THE WAR, AND AFTER THE WAR

GB 1902
d. James Williamson
pc. Williamson Kinematograph Company
35mm bw st 286ft 5mins viewing copy
Drama. A reservist is at home with his wife and children when he receives a summons to hold himself ready for service in the Boer War. He departs. After the war, he returns to find his family destitute. He steals a loaf of bread; a policeman pursues him back to the house and is about to arrest him, but then takes pity on the family.

THE SOLDIER'S RETURN

GB 1902
d. James Williamson
pc. Williamson Kinematograph Company
35mm bw st 150ft 2mins viewing copy
Drama. A soldier returns (presumably from the Boer War) to the family home but can get no reply. A neighbour emerges from her house. The soldier enters the gates of the poor house. He presents a letter to the head nurse and waits on the steps. His mother emerges and they embrace. She re-enters the doorway and re-emerges in her coat and scarf. After bidding farewell to the other elderly ladies she is escorted home by her son. At home she is seen seated happily outside as her son tends the garden and brings her tea. Note: There is a sequence missing after the neighbour emerges from her house, when she tells the soldier what has happened to his mother. Williamson catalogue no. 172 ("A bit of real life. There is no suggestion of acting in the picture, and the setting is perfectly natural").

(MATCHES: AN APPEAL)

GB 1899 (?)
ph/anim. Arthur Melbourne-Cooper (?)
16mm bw st 12ft 1min viewing copy
Stop-motion animation. A matchstick man on a stepladder paints on a wall the following appeal: `For one guinea Messrs Bryant & May will forward a case containing sufficient to supply a box of matches to each man in a battalion with the name of the sender inside'. Note: This film has been traditionally dated as 1899 and hence referring to the Boer War, but reported physical evidence suggests that it is of a later date and therefore presumably relates to the First World War.

Part 4 - Post-war

This section covers films produced since the Boer War: newsreel items looking back on the war, TV documentaries, and fiction films or TV dramas dealing wholly or partly with the war. Arranged chronologically.

(LORD ROBERTS REVIEWS VETERANS OF THE BOER WAR)

pc. [unknown]
GB c.1910
35mm bw st 46ft 1min
Newsreel item. Lord Roberts passes in an open carriage; several shots of him reviewing veterans of the Boer War.

THE FUNERAL OF SIR GEORGE WHITE, V.C.
(Topical Budget 45-1)

GB 1912
pc. Topical Film Company
release date: 3 July 1912
35mm bw st 69ft 1min viewing copy
Newsreel item. Funeral procession in London for Sir George White, `the gallant defender of Ladysmith'.

BACK FROM THE BOER WAR
(Topical Budget 75-1)

GB 1913
pc. Topical Film Company
release date: 29 January 1913
35mm bw st 23ft 1min viewing copy
Newsreel item. `The 12th. Lancers disembark from the transport "German" in the East India Docks, the last of the regiments which fought in South Africa'. Troops disembark via gangplank.

BACK FROM THE BOER WAR!
(Pathé's Animated Gazette)

GB 1913
pc. Pathé
date: February 1913
35mm bw st 61ft (of 318ft) 1min
Newsreel item (within newsreel issue). `The 12th Lancers, who are the last to return home from South Africa, disembarking'.

HEROES OF THE VELDT
(Pathé's Animated Gazette)

GB 1913
pc. Pathé
date: December 1913
35mm bw st 29ft 1min
Newsreel item. Women in a Pretoria cemetery placing wreaths and flowers on the graves of British soldiers.

BOER WAR MEMORIAL
(Pathé's Animated Gazette)

GB 1913
pc. Pathé
date: 16 December 1913
35mm bw st 61ft 1min
Newsreel item. Mrs Steyn speaks before unveiling the Boer War memorial at Bloemfontein; the crowd watching; ex-President Steyn of the Orange Free State arrives.

LADYSMITH DAY
(Pathé's Animated Gazette)

GB 1915
pc. Pathé
date: 28 February 1915
35mm bw st 70ft 1min
Newsreel item. The Lord Bishop of Liverpool conducts an open-air service on Ladysmith Day, in front of a war memorial.

LAST OF THE WORLD FAMOUS DE WET
(Topical Budget 551-1)

GB 1922
pc. Topical Film Company
release date: 20 March 1922
35mm bw st 61ft 1min
Newsreel item. Funeral of Boer guerilla leader Christiaan De Wet, who died 3 February 1922.

CAVALCADE

USA 1933
d. Frank Lloyd
pc. Fox Film Corporation
p. Winfield Sheehan
sc. Reginald Berkeley
ph. Ernest Palmer
m. Louis Francesco
Diana Wynyard.................Jane Marryot
Clive Brook...................Robert Marryot
Herbert Mundin................Alfred Bridges
Ellen Bridges.................Una O'Connor
35mm bw sd 9850ft 109mins viewing copy
Feature film. Historical pageant of British life from the Boer War, through the death of Queen Victoria and the First World War on to the Jazz Age, based on the play Cavalcade by Noël Coward. Includes section where Robert Marryot and his servant Alfred both go off to fight in the Boer War. The news of the relief of Mafeking breaks in Britain and both Robert and Alfred return safely. Note: The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1933.

RHODES OF AFRICA

GB 1936
d. Berthold Viertel/Geoffrey Barkas
pc. Gaumont-British Picture Corporation
sc. Michael Barringer/Miles Malleson/Leslie Arliss
ph. Bernard Knowles/S.R. Bonnett
Walter Huston.................Cecil Rhodes
Oscar Homolka.................Paul Kruger
Basil Sydney..................Dr Jameson
Peggy Ashcroft................Ann Carpenter
35mm bw sd 8202ft 91mins viewing copy
Feature film. The life of Cecil Rhodes, based on the book by Sarah Millin, including his personal battles with Kruger, his part in the disaster of the Jameson raid, and the onset of the Boer War, which interrupts his plans for the continent.

FOR VALOUR

GB 1937
d. Tom Walls
pc. Capitol
p. Max Schach
sc. Ben Travers
ph. Phil Tannura
Tom Walls.....................Private Doubleday/Charlie Chisholm
Ralph Lynn....................Major Pyke/Willie Pyke
Veronica Rose.................Phyllis Chisholm
Joan Marion...................Clare Chester
35mm bw sd 8490ft 95mins viewing copy
Feature film. Ex-convict Private Doubleday saves Major Pyke during the Boer War, and Pyke recommends Doubleday for a Victoria Cross, but the latter returns to prison. Years later their descendants become variously involved in crime.

OHM KRÜGER

Germany 1941
d. Hans Steinhoff (with Herbert Maisch and Karl Anton)
pc. Tobis
sc. Harald Bratt/Kurt Heuser
ph. Fritz Arno Wagner/Friedl Behn-Grund/Karl Puth
m. Theo Mackeben
Emil Jannings.................Paul Kruger
Franz Schafheitlin............General Kitchener
Ferdinand Marian..............Cecil Rhodes
Gustav Gründgens..............Joseph Chamberlain
Hedwig Wangel.................Queen Victoria
35mm bw sd 11516ft 128mins
35mm bw sd 1843ft (rls. 1 & 2 ) 20mins viewing copy [nitrate] (Italian)
35mm bw sd 2140ft (rls. 5, 6 & part of 8 ) 23mins viewing copy
Feature film. The life of Paul Kruger, from a strongly anti-British stance. Gold is discovered in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Cecil Rhodes and Joseph Chamberlain try to provoke a war to acquire these lands, but Paul Kruger, leader of the Boer people, negotiates a contract which retains Boer independence. The English start a war, which the Boers win. Kitchener is appointed Commander of the English forces and attacks the civilian population - burning farms, arming the Blacks, and putting women and children in concentration camps. Kruger travels the cities of Europe seeking help. The Boers are finally forced to give up their independence and become part of the British Empire. Kruger finds asylum in Switzerland, and tells a nurse that one day a great nation will rise to avenge the Boers for what the British have done to them. Note: Based on themes from the novel Mann ohne Volk by Arnold Krieger. The production was overseen and enthusiatically approved by Joseph Goebbels ("an anti-English film beyond one's wildest dreams"), who chose the ending.

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP

GB 1942
d/p/sc. Michael Powell/Emeric Pressburger
pc. Archers
ph. Georges Périnal
m. Allan Gray
Roger Livesey.................Clive Candy
Deborah Kerr..................Edith/Barbara/Angela
Anton Walbrook................Theo Kretschmar-Schuldorff
35mm col sd 14665ft 163mins viewing copy
Feature film. The life of a British officer, Clive Candy, from his return from the Boer War and a duel in Germany, through the First and Second World Wars. There are no scenes from the Boer War itself, but there are several allusions to it and the opening scenes in Germany derive from the war and its repercussions.

ELIZABETH OF LADYMEAD

GB 1949
d/p. Herbert Wilcox
pc. Imperadio
sc. Frank Harvey/Nicholas Phipps
ph. Max Greene
m. Robert Farnon
Anna Neagle...................Beth/Elizabeth/Betty/Liz
Bernard Lee...................John (1903)
Isabel Jeans..................Mother (1903)
Michael Shepley...............Major Wrigley (1903)
35mm col sd 7900ft 87mins viewing copy
Feature film. The lives of four women, all called Elizabeth (all played by Anna Neagle) and all living in a mansion called Ladymead, while their husbands are away at four different wars: Crimea, Boer War, World War One and World War Two.

KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS

GB 1949
d. Robert Hamer
pc. Ealing Studios
p. Michael Balcon
sc. Robert Hamer/John Dighton
ph. Douglas Slocombe
ed. Peter Tanner
Dennis Price..................Louis Mazzini
Valerie Hobson................Edith d'Ascoyne
Joan Greenwood................Sibella Holland
Alec Guinness.................General Rufus d'Ascoyne [et al]
35mm bw sd 9541ft 106mins viewing copy
Feature film. Louis Mazzini murders his way through the d'Ascoyne family to acquire a dukedom. One of his victims, General Lord Rufus d'Ascoyne, likes to re-enact scenes from the Boer War on his restaurant table; Louis sends caviare to the general, containing a bomb, which explodes during one such enactment.

BOER WAR
(This Week)

GB 1959
d. Sheila Gregg
pc. Rediffusion
tx. 22 July 1959 (ITV)
ed. David Kentish
intro. Ludovic Kennedy
35mm bw sd 692ft 8mins [incomplete]
Television documentary on the Boer War, contents unknown.
Note: Filmed inserts held only, part of the original 25 minute
programme.

A TOUCH OF CHURCHILL, A TOUCH OF HITLER: THE LIFE OF CECIL RHODES

GB 1971
d. Antony Thomas
pc. BBC
tx. 30 July 1971 (BBC2)
p. Jennifer Jeremy
sc/pres. Kenneth Griffith
VHS col sd 78mins viewing copy
Polemical television documentary on the life of the imperialist financier Cecil Rhodes, presented by actor and Boer War authority Kenneth Griffith, with short sequences covering the Jameson Raid and Rhodes' involvement in the war during the siege of Kimberley.

THE REGIMENT

GB 1972-73
d. [various]
pc. BBC
tx. 21 February 1972-22 May 1972 [first series]
23 February 1973-4 May 1973 [second series]
p. [various]
sc. [various]
original idea Jack Gerson/Nick McCarty
Christopher Cazenove..........Richard Gaunt
Maria Aitken..................Dorothy Saunders
Bernard Brown.................Captain Rupert Saunders
Denis Lill....................Captain Alfred Slingsby
John Malcolm..................Dr Jameson
Leon Sinden...................Cecil Rhodes
Peter Copley..................Colonel Kekewich
Terence Bayler................General Sir Herbert Kitchener
VHS col sd 19x50mins viewing copies
Television drama series tracing a fictitious British army regiment, the Cotswolds, through the Boer War to India in 1904. The relevant episodes covering South Africa are ep. 3, DAYS OF BETRAYAL (on the Jameson raid), ep. 6, GENTLEMEN IN KHAKI ORDERED SOUTH, ep. 7, A GENTLEMAN'S WAR, ep. 9, WINE AND RETRIBUTION, ep. 10, A GENTLEMAN FROM EUROPE, ep. 11, DRAGON'S TEETH, ep. 12, CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPE, ep. 13, AMBUSH and ep. 14, DEPOT. The NFTVA does not have ep. 8, A LION AT SUNSET. Note: Developed from the single play THE REGIMENT (tx. 23 November 1970, not in NFTVA) which also opened the new series under the title THE FATHER OF THE REGIMENT. The first series in 1972 (12 episodes) covered the Boer War; the second series in 1973 (11 episodes) began with the Boer War, but then followed the regiment to India. There were 23 episodes in all, but the NFTVA does not hold episodes 1, 8, 19 and 20.

YOUNG WINSTON

GB 1972
d. Richard Attenborough
pc. Open Road/Hugh French
p/sc. Carl Foreman
ph. Gerry Turpin
m. Alfred Ralston
Simon Ward....................Winston Churchill
John Mills....................General Kitchener
Basil Dignam..................Joseph Chamberlain
Robert Shaw...................Lord Randolph Churchill
35mm col sd 14130ft 157mins viewing copy
Feature film. The early years of Winston Churchill, based on his book My Early Life, including his escapades during the Boer War. Churchill is caught in an ambush while a reporter in South Africa, is imprisoned for a short while and then makes a bold escape, returning to Britain a celebrity.

SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA
(The British Empire: Echoes of Britannia's Rule)

GB/USA 1972
pc. BBC/Time-Life
tx. 22 February 1972 (BBC1)
p. Anthony Isaacs
ed. Alan Cumner-Price
comm.sc. Roy Lewis
nar. Robert Hardy
VHS col sd 55mins viewing copy
Part 7 of a 13-part series on the history of the British Empire, covering Britain's pursuit of Africa in the latter half of the nineteenth century, in competition with other nations. The programme covers the building of the Suez canal, the discovery of diamonds in South Africa and the rise of Cecil Rhodes, Imperialism as a political philosophy, and the two Boer wars. The first war is illustrated by extensive filmed re-enactions; the 1899-1902 war is illustrated by archive film, photographs, music hall songs and interviews with two surviving British soldiers, Sergeants Smith and Acker. Note: The only film source given on the credits is the National Film Archive, although some of the films used are not known Boer war films from the Archive's collection. The identifiable films used include (GORDON HIGHLANDERS LEAVE FOR THE BOER WAR), GENERAL BULLER'S TRANSPORT TRAIN OF OX-TEAMS, LANCERS CROSSING THE MODDER RIVER, THE FIFTH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS DIGGING ENTRENCHMENTS AT ORANGE RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA, A SKIRMISH WITH THE BOERS NEAR KIMBERLEY BY A TROOP OF CAVALRY SCOUTS ATTACHED TO GENERAL FRENCH'S COLUMN, LORD ROBERTS LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA, THE ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION OF LORD ROBERTS AT CAPETOWN,THE AUSTRALIAN MOUNTED RIFLES MARCHING THROUGH CAPE TOWN, TROOPS LEAVING PORT ELIZABETH JETTY, CAPTURE OF BOER BATTERY BY BRITISH (an Edison recreation), (CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS: AT SOUTHAMPTON ON THE WAY BACK TO LONDON), ARRIVAL OF WOUNDED AT HOSPITAL SHIP, THE HEROES OF LADYSMITH MARCHING THROUGH LONDON, REVIEW OF THE H.M.S. `POWERFUL' NAVAL BRIGADE and KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON. Other films used include a 1903 Hepworth film of Joseph Chamberlain in a carriage, unidentified scenes of troops embarking, and several scenes from a unidentified war drama (1910s?) which seems to recreate action from the war.

THE BIOSCOPE GOES TO WAR
(Flashback)

GB 1983
d. Taylor Downing
pc. Flashback Productions
tx. 24 September 1983 (Channel 4)
p. Taylor Downing/Victoria Wegg-Prosser
nar. Jonathan Coy
VHS col sd 25mins viewing copy
Educational/historical documentary in a film and history series showing showing how the early British film industry approached both the filming and exhibition of the Boer War. The programme covers the contributions of Joe Rosenthal, W.K-L. Dickson and producer Charles Urban (Warwick Trading Company), and is illustrated by films (actuality and fake), photographs and songs of the period. Note: The films all come from the NFTVA and the Imperial War Museum's Film and Video Archive (some titles are held by both archives). The films held in the NFTVA are: (GORDON HIGHLANDERS LEAVE FOR THE BOER WAR), THE `ROSLIN CASTLE' (TROOPSHIP) LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA, THE DISPATCH BEARER, THE AUSTRALIAN MOUNTED RIFLES MARCHING THROUGH CAPE TOWN, TROOPS LEAVING PORT ELIZABETH JETTY, BATTLE OF SPION KOP (two views), CRONJE'S SURRENDER TO LORD ROBERTS, THE 5-INCH SIEGE GUNS CROSSING VAAL RIVER, A SKIRMISH WITH THE BOERS NEAR KIMBERLEY, WINNING THE V.C., BLOEMFONTEIN - UNFURLING THE FLAG, REVIEW OF THE H.M.S. `POWERFUL' NAVAL BRIGADE and KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON. Featured titles from the Imperial War Museum not otherwise held in the NFTVA are the 1901 Mitchell and Kenyon dramatisations A SNEAKY BOER, in which two Boers creep up on and overpower a British sentry, and HANDS OFF THE FLAG, in which two Englishwomen are captured and nearly shot by Boers (who defile the Union Jack) before British troops come to the rescue; plus Robert Paul's propaganda piece KRUGER'S DREAM OF EMPIRE (1900), in which `Kruger' stands by a placard reading `On Majuba Day England Was Defeated'. He dreams that Chamberlain offers him the imperial crown, but then British soldiers burst in, smother him with a Union Jack, and the placard changes to read `On Majuba Day Cronje surrendered'. The soldiers gather around Britannia. Majuba Day (27 February) commemorated a famous British defeat that ended the brief first Boer War of 1881. Boer general Piet Cronje surrendered to Lord Roberts on 27 February 1900.

RUMOURS OF WAR

(Reel Truth/Celwydd Golau)
GB 1995
d. Colin Thomas
pc. Teliesyn
tx. 21 July 1995 (S4C)
sc. John Dovey
nar. Juliet Stevenson
VHS col sd 24mins viewing copy
Documentary within four-part series on the manufacture of documentary images (real and fake) in early cinema, showing in this programme how war footage was created to encourage feelings of patriotism. Includes Mitchell and Kenyon `fakes' of the Boer War, and actuality film, plus a modern actor playing W.K-L. Dickson filming for Biograph during the war. Note: The Reel Truth series was originally broadcast in Welsh on S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru) as Celwydd Golau. The NFTVA copy is from the English language broadcast shown on Channel Four (tx. 30 August 1996). `Dickson' is shown, quite erroneously, to be turning a handle on what was the battery-driven Mutograph camera. The films he is shown to be shooting are a non-Boer War shot of distant explosions, and Benett-Stanford's LANCERS CROSSING THE MODDER.

RHODES

GB 1996
d. David Drury
pc. Zenith Productions
tx. 15 September to 3 November 1996 (BBC1)
p. Scott Meek/Charles Salmon
sc. Antony Thomas
Martin Shaw...................Cecil Rhodes
Neil Pearson..................Dr Jameson
Carel Trichardt...............Paul Kruger
Oliver Cotton.................Joseph Chamberlain
David Sherwood................General French
Peter Guiness.................Colonel Kekewich
VHS col sd 8x54mins viewing copies
Television drama series in eight episodes on the life of Cecil Rhodes. Episodes 7 and 8 (UPSETTING THE APPLE CART, tx. 27 October 1996, and THE RECKONING, tx. 3 November 1996) cover Rhodes' involvement in the Jameson raid on 29 December 1895 (the disastrous military incursion into the Transvaal which prefigured the Boer War), the subsequent enquiry and Rhodes' last years, including his time under siege in Kimberley during the Boer War.

THE BOER WAR: THE FIRST MEDIA WAR
(Timewatch)

GB 1997
d/sc. William Cran
pc. InVision Productions
tx. 18 March 1997 (BBC2)
p. Stephanie Tepper
nar. Andrew Sachs
VHS col sd 49mins viewing copy
Television documentary on the Boer War and its reporting by journalists (Edgar Wallace, Winston Churchill), photographers (Horace Nicholls) and film cameramen (W.K-L. Dickson, Joe Rosenthal). Extensively illustrated with films mostly from the NFTVA collection (sometimes creatively used), photographs, quotations from Dickson's written account, and comment by military and film historians. The programme covers in particular the calamities at Colenso and Spion Kop, Lord Roberts' control of the media, and the progress of the war after 1900 including Kitchener's policies of farmhouse burning and concentration camps (neither of which were filmed). Note: NFTVA films featured include the British Mutoscope and Biograph Company's BATTLE OF SPION KOP: AMBULANCE CORPS CROSSING THE TUGELA RIVER, BLOEMFONTEIN - UNFURLING THE FLAG, BOYS OF H.M.S. `TERRIBLE' GETTING THEIR GUNS INTO POSITION, GORDON HIGHLANDERS IN LADYSMITH, LORD KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON - JULY 12TH, NAVAL GUNS FIRING AT COLENSO, REPAIRING THE BROKEN BRIDGE AT FRERE and RIFLE HILL SIGNAL STATION NEAR FRERE CAMP; Hepworth & Co's H.M.S. `POWERFUL' ARRIVING IN PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR and TRAIN-LOAD OF C.I.V.s LEAVING SOUTHAMPTON FOR LONDON; Paul's Animatograph Works' AMBULANCE CROSSING THE MODDER, CRONJE'S SURRENDER TO LORD ROBERTS and ENTRY OF THE SCOTS GUARDS INTO BLOEMFONTEIN; and the Warwick Trading Company's THE ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION OF LORD ROBERTS AT CAPETOWN, THE AUSTRALIAN MOUNTED RIFLES MARCHING THROUGH CAPE TOWN, THE FIFTH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS DIGGING ENTRENCHMENTS AT ORANGE RIVER, SOUTH AFRICA - THE PASSING OF THE ARMOURED TRAIN, GENERAL BULLER EMBARKING ON THE `DUNOTTAR CASTLE' AT SOUTHAMPTON, GENERAL BULLER'S TRANSPORT TRAIN OF OX-TEAMS, THE HEROES OF LADYSMITH MARCHING THROUGH LONDON, LANCERS CROSSING THE MODDER RIVER, LORD ROBERTS LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA, PRESIDENT KRUGER, REVIEW OF THE H.M.S. `POWERFUL' NAVAL BRIGADE, REVIEW OF THE LIFE GUARDS BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN, THE `ROSLIN CASTLE' (TROOPSHIP) LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA, SKIRMISH WITH THE BOERS NEAR KIMBERLEY BY A TROOP OF CAVALRY SCOUTS ATTACHED TO GENERAL FRENCH'S COLUMN, TROOPS LEAVING PORT ELIZABETH JETTY and TROOPS PASSING OVER MODDER RIVER BY TRAIN. Films not from the NFTVA include short sequences from Mitchell and Kenyon's A SNEAKY BOER and HANDS OFF THE FLAG (from the Imperial War Museum) and the whole of Biograph's A RECONNOITRE IN FORCE (filmed by Dickson on 23 December 1899) (from the Nederlands Filmmuseum).

KITCHENER - THE EMPIRE'S FLAWED HERO
(Reputations)

GB 1998
d. Saskia Baron
pc. Brook Lapping Productions
tx. 8 June 1998 (BBC2)
p. Jad Adams
VHS col sd 50mins viewing copy
Television documentary on the public and private life of Lord Kitchener and the contradictions in his character, covering his harsh childhood and then rise to military glory through Omdurman, the Boer War and the First World War. The Boer War section covers in particular his role in setting up the system of concentration camps. The archive film is of poor quality and is sometimes inaccurately used.

OUR BRAVE BOYS (Bramwell)
GB 1998
d. Paul Unwin
pc. Whitby Davison Productions
tx. 16 June 1998 (ITV)
p. Harriet Davison/Tim Whitby
sc. Lucy Gannon
m. Evelyn Glennie
Jemma Redgrave................Dr Eleanor Bramwell
Kevin McMonagle...............Dr Joe Marsham
David Bark-Jones..............Major Guy Quarrie
Jenny Agutter.................Mrs Bruce
Timothy West..................Colonel Kindersley
VHS col sd 101mins viewing copy
Television period drama about a woman doctor in London in the 1890s. This special feature-length episode shows Britain in Boer War fever, while Eleanor Bramwell and Joe Marsham are planning for their wedding. Note: The title sequence features the following films from the NFTVA: BOER WAR RECUITMENT MARCH, GORDON HIGHLANDERS LEAVE FOR THE BOER WAR and THE 'ROSLIN CASTLE' (TROOPSHIP) LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA. The film show featured at the beginning of the drama shows the Mitchell and Kenyon dramas SHELLING THE RED CROSS and THE DISPATCH BEARER.

Part 5 of 5 - Compilations

The following three viewing copy compilations of Boer War material held in the NFTVA are available:

VICTORIAN CINEMA: 14: BOER WAR: BIOGRAPH

British Mutoscope and Biograph Company
REPAIRING THE BROKEN BRIDGE AT FRERE (1899)
RIFLE HILL SIGNAL STATION NEAR FRERE CAMP (1899)
BOYS OF H.M.S. TERRIBLE GETTING THEIR GUNS INTO POSITION (1899)
NAVAL GUNS FIRING AT COLENSO (1899)
BATTLE OF SPION KOP (1900) [first scene]
BATTLE OF SPION KOP (1900) [second scene]
BATTLE OF SPION KOP (1900) [third scene]
GORDON HIGHLANDERS IN LADYSMITH (1900)
BLOEMFONTEIN: UNFURLING THE FLAG (1900)
LORD KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON (1902)

VICTORIAN CINEMA: 15: BOER WAR: WARWICK

Warwick Trading Company
PRESIDENT KRUGER (1898)
REVIEW OF THE LIFE GUARDS BY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN (1899)
DISPERSING THE TROOPS AT WINDSOR AFTER PARADE (1899)
GENERAL BULLER EMBARKING ON THE DUNOTTAR CASTLE (1899)
ROSLIN CASTLE (TROOPSHIP) LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA (1899)
FIFTH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS DIGGING ENTRENCHMENTS (1899)
ARRIVAL OF WOUNDED AT HOSPITAL SHIP (1899)
LANCERS CROSSING THE MODDER RIVER (1899)
TROOPS PASSING OVER THE MODDER RIVER BY TRAIN (1899)
THE AUSTRALIAN MOUNTED RIFLES MARCHING THROUGH CAPE TOWN (1899)
LORD ROBERTS LEAVING FOR SOUTH AFRICA (1899)
A SKIRMISH WITH THE BOERS NEAR KIMBERLEY (1900)
ARRIVAL AND RECEPTION OF LORD ROBERTS AT CAPETOWN (1900)
TROOPS LEAVING PORT ELIZABETH JETTY (1900)
GENERAL BULLER'S TRANSPORT TRAIN OF OX-TEAMS (1900)
THE HEROES OF LADYSMITH MARCHING THROUGH LONDON (1900)
FIELD AMBULANCES CROSSING THE VAAL RIVER (1900)
THE 5-INCH SIEGE GUNS CROSSING VAAL RIVER (1900)
WAR BALLOON AND TRANSPORT CROSSING THE VAAL RIVER (1900)

VICTORIAN CINEMA: 16: BOER WAR: VARIOUS

Hepworth & Co.
BOER WAR RECRUITMENT MARCH (1900)
KITCHENER'S ARRIVAL AT SOUTHAMPTON (1902)
Paul's Animatograph Works
AMBULANCE CROSSING THE MODDER (1900)
ENTRY OF THE SCOTS' GUARDS INTO BLOEMFONTEIN (1900)
ARRIVAL OF THE BOER GENERALS BOTHA, DELAREY AND DE WET (1902)

Unknown

GORDON HIGHLANDERS LEAVE FOR THE BOER WAR (1899)
BOER WAR: CROSSING A RIVER (1900)
EMBARKATION OF THE C.I.V. FOR SOUTH AFRICA (1900)
RETURN OF CITY IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA (1900)

Mitchell and Kenyon

THE DISPATCH BEARER (1900)
SHELLING THE RED CROSS (1900)

David

Thank you for showing these very useful and very interesting lists. I had no idea that so much of the Boer War had been documented in this way, and that it is still carefully preserved.

I once came across excerpts from W K-L Dickson's book, 'The Biograph in Battle', and they seemed to be as useful as any film record he made. I wonder if this book should be better known and a more often quoted eye-witness account of the war?

Regards
Brett