'Loyal to the Mother Country - Canadian fighters for British Supremacy, Cape Town', 1899 (c)

Stereoscopic photograph, Boer War, 1899 (c).

The Boer War (1899-1902) was the first time Canada sent troops to an overseas war. At first, Canadian Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier tried to keep Canada out of the conflict. The Canadian government was divided between those, primarily French Canadians, who wished to stay out of the war and others, primarily English Canadians, who wanted to join in.

Laurier eventually agreed to support the British by providing volunteers, equipment and transportation to the war. The British would be responsible for paying the troops and returning them to Canada. Eventually around 8,300 Canadians served, with 242 of them being killed in action.

From a box of 89 stereoscopic cards entitled, 'South African War through the Stereoscope Pt 2 Vol 1', published by Underwood and Underwood, and produced by Works and Sun Sculpture Studios, 1900 (c).