HOW MANY FOREIGN WHITES FOUGHT FOR THE BOERS DURING THE 2nd ANGLO-BOER WAR:

(005320.38-:E-003569.93:N-HO:R-SU:C-30:V)   

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[I looked into this quickly because some people are pro-Russian and they cite the fact that 270 Russians fought on the side of the Boers. However, the numbers show that most of the volunteers were Dutch, followed by Germans, French and other Europeans. There were even a few Americans who fought for the Boers and their numbers seem to be similar to that of the Russians. Jan]

I found 2 sets of estimates for foreigners who fought for the Boers. This was the highest number:

Estimates suggest that between 5,400 and 6,000 volunteers from other countries fought for the Boers during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902).

These volunteers came from various countries, including Germany, the United States, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Scandinavia.

This was the lowest number, which I got broken down further:

During the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902), an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers from various countries fought on the side of the Boers. These volunteers came from a variety of nations, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, Ireland, and even some from the United States and Russia. The exact number is difficult to pinpoint, but these foreign volunteers were organized into specific units, such as the Irish Transvaal Brigade and the Hollander Corps.

These volunteers were motivated by various factors, including anti-imperialist sentiments, sympathy for the Boer cause, and a desire to fight against British colonialism. Some of them were professional soldiers, while others were adventurers or idealists drawn to the Boers’ struggle for independence.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the volunteers who fought for the Boers during the Second Anglo-Boer War, organized by country or region. The exact numbers are estimates, as records from that period are not always precise:

1. Netherlands (Dutch)
Estimates: Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 volunteers.
Contribution: The Dutch had strong historical and cultural ties to the Boers, as the Boers were descendants of Dutch settlers. Many Dutch volunteers served in the Hollander Corps.

2. Germany
Estimates: Around 500 to 1,000 volunteers.
Contribution: Many Germans were sympathetic to the Boer cause, and some German volunteers formed their own units. The German Empire had political interests in Africa and viewed the British as rivals.

3. France
Estimates: Approximately 400 to 600 volunteers.
Contribution: French volunteers were driven by anti-British sentiments and admiration for the Boers’ struggle. Some served in the French Foreign Legion unit created specifically for the war.

4. Ireland
Estimates: Around 300 to 500 volunteers.
Contribution: Irish volunteers, motivated by their own struggles against British rule, formed the Irish Transvaal Brigade. They saw the Boer struggle as analogous to their own fight for independence.

5. Russia
Estimates: Approximately 200 to 300 volunteers.
Contribution: Russian volunteers were motivated by pan-Slavism and anti-British sentiments. They formed small units and fought alongside the Boers.

6. United States
Estimates: Around 200 to 300 volunteers.
Contribution: American volunteers included adventurers, idealists, and those with anti-British sentiments. Some American doctors and nurses also volunteered to help in Boer hospitals.

7. Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark)
Estimates: Approximately 100 to 200 volunteers.
Contribution: Scandinavian volunteers formed their own units and were motivated by humanitarian and anti-imperialist sentiments.

8. Italy
Estimates: Around 100 to 150 volunteers.
Contribution: Italian volunteers were driven by anti-British and nationalist sentiments. They formed small groups and fought alongside the Boers.

9. Other Countries
Estimates: Small groups of volunteers also came from countries like Belgium, Austria, Poland, and others, totaling a few dozen to a hundred from each.

These volunteers were often organized into national or multinational brigades and fought in various battles alongside the Boer commandos. Their contributions, while not decisive, were significant in terms of international support and morale for the Boer forces.

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