The Colonial Office issued this note about service in the Boer War on 3rd October 1899:
Secretary of State for War and Commander in Chief desire to express high appreciation of Her Majesty's Government for the patriotic spirit exhibited by the people of Australia in offering to serve in South Africa and to furnish following information to assist organisation of forces offered into units suitable for military requirements:
- Firstly. Units should consist of about 125 men.
- Secondly. May be infantry, mounted infantry, or cavalry. In view of numbers already available, infantry most, cavalry least, serviceable.
- Thirdly. All should be armed with .303 rifles or carbines, which can be supplied by Imperial Government if necessary.
- Fourthly. All must provide own equipment, and mounted troops their own horses.
- Fifthly. Not more than one captain and three subalterns to each unit. Where more than one from single colony force may be commanded by officer not higher than Major.
In considering number which can be employed, the Secretary of State for War, guided by nature of officers, desires that each colony should be fairly represented and limits are necessary if force is to be fully utilised.
Available staff is integral portion of Imperial forces.
Would gladly accept two units each from New South Wales and Victoria, and one from South Australia.
Conditions as follows:
- Troops to be disembarked at port of landing in South Africa, fully equipped, at cost of colonial Governments or volunteers.
- From date of disembarkation, Imperial Government will provide pay at Imperial rates, supplies and ammunition, and will defray expenses of transport back to the colony, and pay wound expenses and compassionate allowances at Imperial rates.
- Troops to embark not later than 31st October, proceeding direct to Capetown for orders.
