Boer War Day Acknowledges Sacrifices Of WA Veterans
The Cook Government will join other states in officially recognising 31 May as Boer War Day in honour of the Western Australians who served and sacrificed their lives 126 years ago.
The Boer War broke out before Federation in 1899 and each of Australia’s colonies raised volunteer contingents to send to South Africa, where they served as part of the British army.
Out of an estimated 16,000 Australians, 923 Western Australians served in the Boer War.The Boer War is the only war Western Australia, as a separate entity, was represented by the contingents that were sent overseas.
The war was waged against theAfrikaner republics of South Africa who were fighting for their independence from the British Empire.
A Commonwealth contingent was sent over by the new nation of Australia in 1901, not long before the war ended. The date 31 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging that ended the fighting in 1902.
The Boer War is also the first in which Australia fought as a nation.
As stated by Veterans Minister Paul Papalia:
“Nearly 1,000 Western Australians signed up to serve in the Boer War, initially representing the colony of Western Australia prior to Federation in 1901.
“It is important that we uphold our commitment to remember all the brave servicemen and women who served our State and our nation.
“By acknowledging the 31st of May as Boer War Day, we make a commitment to never forget our history and those who helped shape it.
“I’d like to thank the Boer War Memorial Society of WA for its ongoing advocacy.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/Boer-War-Day-acknowledges-the-sacrifices-of-WA-veterans-20250531