Military History Tours Australia Boer War 110th Anniversary Tour to South Africa 2012
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Join Military History Tours (Australia) (MHT) as we follow the campaign of the Australian Army in South Africa during the Boer War.
Military History Tours has been taking the families of those who fought in far away places to visit the areas where their family had fought, to walk the battlefields, visit the memorials and in some cases to visit the grave of that family member or friend of the family who had paid the supreme sacrifice. Gallipoli, the Western Front, North Africa and Greece and Crete are areas well known and visited but that first engagement of the 20th Century where Australians had fought, the Boer War, has been somewhat overlooked.
This is a special tour developed by Military History Tours for the very special purpose that we hope will, in a small way, ensure that this part of Australia’s military history is not forgotten as we visit the battle sites, each with an informative briefing, meet the local dignitaries who maintain our military heritage and pay our respects at the resting places of our fallen
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As we travel through the countryside in our air conditioned coach, you will pass through those same towns and historical locations that our men saw as they campaigned, the same areas where they rested when out of the line and where they prepared for their next engagement. We meet in Johannesburg, travel to Pretoria before setting off to move through the area of operations of all those years ago. Following that expansive tour we return to Pretoria for a make and mend before we transfer to the airport for our return flights or to take the opportunity to extend and spend more time in this diverse country.
To see where you will be staying, just click on the hotel icon 
on the itinerary.
16 memorable days.
Costs: 16 Days, 15 Nights $4,995 per person twin share, $750 single supplement.
Included in tour price will be:
- Accommodation,
- Battlefield tours with military historian,
- Local guide,
- Air conditioned coaches,
- Most meals as per programme,
- Museum entrance fees, and
- Transfers.
Not included in tour price:
- Air travel,
- Travel insurance,
- Laundry and alcohol,
- Tour extensions,
- Personal expenses, and
- Tips to Drivers and Guides
Conditions apply,costs and itinerary subject to change.
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Pretoria- Legislative Capital of the Republic of South Africa. |
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Be at Vereeniging (where the treaty was finalised) and Pretoria (where it was signed) on the 110th anniversary of the historic treaty that marked the end of the war. |
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Conducted tour of the Battlefields where the Australians had fought,: Pretoria, Wilmansrust, Rhenosterkop, Vredefort, Elands River, Mafeking, Paardeberg, Belmont, Modder River, Colesberg, and . |
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Pay our respects at the Memorials dedicated to our fallen. |
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Visit those places where the first Australian Victoria Crosses were won. |
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Captain Neville Howse’s heroic action at Vredefort and much more… |
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Opportunity to extend – take a tour of the Kruger National Park.. |
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Day 1. Friday, 25 May 2012 Johannesburg – Pretoria
Guests will be met by our staff at Oliver Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, for transfer to our hotel in Pretoria. The remainder of the day is free to relax, take in the local precincts and meet other guests. In the evening there will be a full briefing on the campaign. Overnight - Pretoria . D
Day 2. Saturday, 26 May 2012 Pretoria - Witbank
: Today after breakfast in our hotel we will start with a tour of the quiet city of Pretoria (Tshwane) visiting the graves of Peter Handcock and Harry Morant then drive up to the Union buildings. From there you can see from where the NSW Mounted Rifles(NSWMR) approached the city on 6 June 1900. We will then head east to Rhonerstekop (Motetma) where we will eat our cut lunch and view the site of the first occasion where troops from all the Australian colonies and New Zealand were involved together against Boer General Viljoen on 29 November 1900. Thereafter we will travel to Wilmansrust (Lammerkop) where on 12 June 1901 the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles (VMR) suffered the largest number of casualties from any single engagement in the war (19 dead, 36 wounded). Then a short drive to Middelburg, an Australian troop staging
area; then on to our hotel. Dinner in our hotel. Overnight -Witbank . BLD
Day 3. Sunday, 27 May 2012
Witbank – Ermelo - Witbank
Breakfast, then we head south east to Ermelo, where we visit the site of the Battle of Onverwacht, now quiet farming land with a striking monument to that battle. In this engagement an advance guard of 200 British and Australian Mounted Infantry were drawn into an ambush by 800 Boer “bitter enders” under General Opperman on 4 January 1902; a few short months from the end of the war. The Australian component, the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen suffered 13 dead. Following lunch in Ermelo we will visit the Ermelo cemetery where we will find the graves of the young Queenslanders, who were sacrificed so unnecessarily. Then we return to
Witbank for dinner and our overnight stay. Overnight – Witbank .
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Day 4. Monday 28 May 2012 Witbank - Kroonstad
Breakfast, before we drive to Standerton for lunch and then visit the cemetery where many Australians who died of Enteric Fever (Typhoid), responsible for nearly half of our casualties, are buried. Then to Heilbron, an area where many more Australians are buried; we will also pay our respects at the Concentration Camp monument and visit the Old Synagogue, now a museum. Thereafter we drive to Kroonstad. Dinner in our hotel. Overnight Kroonstad . BLD
Day 5. Tuesday, 29 May 2012 Kroonstad - Klerksdorp
Breakfast followed by a tour of Kroonstad where we will find two remarkably preserved cemeteries in Kroonstad that include Australian graves. These cemeteries are maintained by the local committee which takes care of the Kroonstad Concentration Camp Cemetery. From there we travel north to Vredefort where on 22 July 1900, at a point on the lip of amazing meteorite crater, that we will inspect, Neville Howse became the first Australian to be awarded the Victoria Cross. We then drive north west, to Klerksdorp, where the 1st and 2nd battalions of the Australian Commonwealth Horse were brought together in a brigade (under a British officer), drilled to fight, but tasked only to burn crops; peace was at hand. A cut lunch on the road then dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Klerksdorp . BLD
Day 6. Wednesday, 30 May 2012 Klerksdorp – Pretoria
After breakfast today we head north east towards Vereeniging where the peace negotiations took place. We will hold a special ceremony in the Peace Park just behind the Town Hall where a monument stands to commemorate the work of the negotiators. Then on our way to Pretoria, we will visit Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. Lunch will be at a restaurant in Johannesburg and dinner will be in our hotel. Overnight - Pretoria .
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Day 7. Thursday, 31 May 2012 Pretoria - Mafeking
Today we will take part in a ceremony at Melrose House where the signing of the treaty negotiated at Vereeniging took place of the 31 May 1902, 110 years ago. Then we head west towards Mafeking visiting Elands River where from 4-16 August 1900, 500 Australian Bushmen from all colonies defeated a force of 2,500. The chronicler Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle noting: "When the ballad makers of Australia seek for a subject, let them turn to Elands River, for there was no finer resistance in the war". We then visit Koster River where on 21 July 1900 Australian Bushmen were ambushed by Boers and took heavy casualties (6 dead, 22 wounded). We will have lunch at Koster River, and dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Mafeking . BLD
Day 8. Friday, 1 June 2012 Mafeking
After breakfast, we explore the city of Mafeking, genesis of the world scouting movement, we visit, Mafeking museum, Bethel's Rocks, Mafeking Town Beacon, Cecil John Rhodes Monument, Kanon Kopje and Warren's Fort. The Mafeking relief force on 16 May 1900 included sub-units from all Australian colonies, including NSW Imperial Bushmen brigaded with New Zealand rough riders. There will be personal time in the afternoon at our luxury hotel. Lunch and dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Mafeking . BLD
Day 9. Saturday, 2 June 2012 Mafeking – Kimberley
An early breakfast before we take the 200 kilometre journey to the sleepy hamlet of Vryburg. Near Vryburg between 7-11 May 1902 the first truly Australian units, the 1st and 2nd Australian Commonwealth Horse were involved in mopping up the final Boer resistance as the peace was being concluded. We view the terrain, and have the tactics of this action explained. In Vryburg we visit the Voortrekker monument, concentration camp monument and the old prison museum. We then proceed to our hotel in Kimberley. Lunch will be on the road and dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Kimberley . BLD
Day 10. Sunday, 3 June 2012 Kimberley
Breakfast before a very interesting day. Kimberley is the site of the siege that General French's Division, including the NSW Lancers, Australian Horse (NSW heavy cavalry unit) and Queensland Mounted Infantry (QMI), relieved in February 1900. We will first drive out to the site of the battle of Paardeberg (20 km along the road to Bloemfontein) locate the action in detail on the ground, visit a monument to the Boers who died there and visit the Paardeberg Museum adjacent the battle site. After lunch in either our hotel or in a café in Kimberley, we will spend the rest of the day exploring the town and its many attractions that relate to the Boer War. After all, Kimberley was the major prize of the War, here the Cecil Rhodes' De Biers empire was headquartered. We visit the open mine museum and the "big hole", Rhodes' Boardroom and the Clyde Terry Hall of Militaria. Dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Kimberley .
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Day 11. Monday, 4 June 2012 Kimberley
Today following breakfast you have the rest of the day to make and mend or explore Kimberley at your leisure. Dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Kimberley .
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Day 12. Tuesday, 5 June 2012 Kimberley – Colesberg - Gariep Dam
Today we set off for the sites of the first engagements by Australian troops. Driving south we visit Belmont, precursor to the Battle of Maggersfontein where on 23 November 1899 a troop of NSW Lancers dismounted and covered the withdrawal of the 9th Lancers, becoming the first Australian troops in combat. We pass near Sunnyside where on 1 January 1900 Private Victor Jones of the QMI became the first Australian to die in action. We travel through De Aar junction where Australian troops moving up from Capetown de-trained and assembled before moving to the front. Then on to Arundel where we can view the Kopjes around which Tom Morris galloped to rescue his colleague Bernard Harrison and become the first Australian nominated for the VC (never awarded). We have lunch on the road, and dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Gariep Dam . BLD
Day 13. Wednesday, 6 June 2012 Gariep Dam – Bloemfontein
Breakfast in our hotel, then drive the few kilometres to Colesberg and on the way we pass Sligersfontein where on 16 January 1900 Fred Kilpatrick, the schoolteacher from Carlingford, became the first NSW Lancer to die in battle. At Colesburg we tour the battle site where from 9-28 February 1900 the Australian regiment consisting of the infantry companies from NSW, VIC, TAS and WA, that had been converted to Mounted Infantry, blocked an attempt by the Boers to outflank the British forces approaching Kimberley, and push into the Cape. Lunch is at a restaurant in Colesburg, followed by a visit to the Colesburg Museum and the cemetery where Fred Kilpatrick, James Roberts (VMR), Roland Pitt 1st Tasmanian Mounted Infantry (TMI) and other Australians are buried. We arrive at Bloemfontein in the early evening for dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Bloemfontein . BLD
Day 14. Thursday, 7 June 2012 Bloemfontein
Breakfast, then we tour Bloemfontein where after the city was occupied on 13 March 1900, the Australian units were reorganised for the advance on Pretoria. We visit: the Museum of the Boer Republics; the Women's Monument; see a restored block house and barbed wire barrier and then drive to the top of Naval Hill which provides an excellent view of the town and the adjacent Franklin Game Reserve. Lunch will be at a cafe in the town. In the afternoon, we will visit the South African Armour Museum within the lines of the School of Armour and 1 SA Tank Regiment. Dinner in our hotel. Overnight - Bloemfontein . BD
Day 15. Friday, 8 June 2012 Bloemfontein - Pretoria
An early start after breakfast for we have quite a distance to go today as we drive north to Pretoria. After lunch the rest of the day is free in Pretoria for you to buy those special souvenirs and take in the sights before our final tour dinner together in our hotel. Overnight - Pretoria . BLD
Day 16. Saturday, 9 June 2012 Pretoria
After breakfast our tour ends. Transfers to Oliver Tambo airport for your onward flights. B
Note:
This revised itinerary was issued on 4th October 2011 following a reconnaissance in detail of the route by Military History Tours staff. The changes to the itinerary from the original itinerary are due to museum opening times and time and space considerations.
Why not EXTEND a Day and see the Transvaal Scottish Colours
presentation?
Extend one day and see a new set of colours presented to the Transvaal Scottish Regiment. The
Regiment is being presented new Colours and Battle Honours in addition to celebrating 110 Years of Service to South Africa
and our tour party has been invited to the ceremony in Johannesburg on Saturday 9 June 2012. The cost to extend is $(AU)100 per person twin share, or $(AU)140 single price includes bussing to and from the event overnight Pretoria and breakfast on Sunday 10 June 2012. Transfer to the Airport to meet your flight on 10 June is also included.
This extension is offered by us and should be booked through Military History Tours.
Call (1300 364 671 or +61 (0)2 9387 5025) or email 
to add to your existing booking, or just indicate when registering for the tour.
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Tour Route
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1. GENERAL This tour has been prepared
by Military History Tours Australia Ltd (MHT).
2. Military History Tours Australia Ltd (MHT), urges you to read the booking terms and conditions and contact us or your travel agent if you need any clarification. At the time of publishing this on the internet, the arrangements outlined in it, and the inclusions were all confirmed. However, MHT reserves the right to make amendments to the program, should conditions beyond the control of MHT change.
3. DEPOSITS A deposit of AUD $500.00 per person is required to secure a booking on the tour.
4. BOOKINGS Bookings can be made direct with MHT, or through your local travel agent. If your travel agent is not aware of this program, have them contact us and we will provide them with the details they require. The registration form must reach MHT, together with the deposit, to secure a reservation.
5. FINAL PAYMENT & CANCELLATIONS Final payment will be required by 31 January 2012 (except in the case of a late booking - bookings will usually be taken up to one month before tour commences). Any cancellations prior to this date will be entitled to a full refund. After 31 January 2012, cancellation will attract a 50% cancellation fee, and after 31 March, 2012, no refund will be applicable. You should consider insurance if you believe you may have to cancel arrangements close to these dates.
6. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS If you are travelling on an Australian passport, you will not need visas to visit South Africa. However, you need two empty pages in your passport and your passport should remain valid for a period of 6 months after your departure from South Africa. If you are travelling on other than an Australian passport you should check with your travel agent or MHT on the requirements.
7. ACCOMMODATION All hotels used in this tour are 3 star standard. They are located at the towns and cities as indicated in the itinerary. Military History Tours reserves the right to vary locations if conditions beyond the control of MHT change.
8. CHILDREN & INFANTS No deposits are required for children under 12 years of age. However, they should be detailed on the registration form so that appropriate accommodation is provided. The cost for children and infants, under 3, will be provided on request.
9. SPECIAL REQUESTS Should you have special food requirements, a disability that will require special handling, or if you require a smoking or non smoking room, or any other need, please detail it on the registration form.
10. INSURANCE It is not acceptable for MHT to accept people on its tours who are not holding appropriate travel insurance. You should discuss the best for you with your travel agent or MHT prior to departure.
11. INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS A list of the inclusions and exclusions is detailed above. If you are not certain of anything, clarify with your travel agent or MHT.
12. TOUR CANCELLATION MHT reserves the right to cancel this tour at any time prior to commencement should booking numbers be insufficient to cover costs. Should the tour be cancelled subject to this clause, all payments made to MHT will be refunded.
13. SUMMARY MHT has run battlefield tours for over 20 years. If you join this tour, MHT guarantee that should you have a specific Australian grave site to visit for family or other reasons, and providing it is possible to locate, we will make sure you visit the site and have time to lay a wreath or poppy.
14. LAW OF CONTRACT The contract for the "South Africa 2012" tour is governed in all aspects by the law in the state of NSW and any legal action arising under the contract shall be litigated only in the appropriate court having jurisdiction in that state.
15. TRAVELLING WITH MEDALS
For those who wish to display their own or a relative's medals when showing
their respects, the airline security situation must be recognised. Due to the
pin at the rear of all medal displays, it is no longer possible to carry them as hand
luggage and they must be deposited in your main luggage (cargo hold bag). Valuable original medals in your cargo hold bag could be
lost. Insurance can cover the cost to replace your clothing, not your
great grandfather's original Boer War medals. It is recommended that
you purchase a duplicate set, and put it in your cargo hold bag.
Leave your valuable original medals at home.
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Military History Tours (Australia) Pty Ltd supports the National Boer War Memorial Association Inc in their effort to have constructed a National Memorial in ANZAC Parade Canberra.
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