Zoid Afrika

[Tanker Mike]

Can someone identify the time period of this title, I am thinking Boer war?

No markings on the reverse.

Mike

[Milmed]

Hi Mike,
It is ZUID AFRIKA (Dutch for South Africa) and of WWI vintage as used by the 4 South African Infantry regiments in Europe 1915 - 1919. THis was worn with a number above the title, been a 1,2,3 or 4

Steven

[REMEVMBEA1]

Originally Posted by Tanker Mike

Can someone identify the time period of this title, I am thinking Boer war?

No markings on the reverse.

Mike

I don't think the Boers would have called it South Africa at the time of the Boer War ,to them it was surely Natal and the Orange Free State.

[craigen]

Originally Posted by REMEVMBEA1

I don't think the Boers would have called it South Africa at the time of the Boer War ,to them it was surely Natal and the Orange Free State.

I think you meant to say "South African Republic (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek), also known as the Transvaal", rather than Natal.

The Orange Free State Republic was not part of THAT (Boer) South African Republic, although the two were allied (Boer republics) in the war.

Regards
Craig

[REMEVMBEA1]

Originally Posted by craigen

I think you meant to say "South African Republic (Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek), also known as the Transvaal", rather than Natal.

The Orange Free State Republic was not part of THAT (Boer) South African Republic, although the two were allied (Boer republics) in the war.

Regards
Craig

It's my age you know , I knew there was another but couldn't for the life of me remember what it was , having said that my point remains, The Boers didn't call themselves South Africans and in fact didn't wear uniform as far as I can see.

[craigen]

Originally Posted by REMEVMBEA1

It's my age you know , I knew there was another but couldn't for the life of me remember what it was , having said that my point remains, The Boers didn't call themselves South Africans and in fact didn't wear uniform as far as I can see.

I am certainly not in a position to comment on anyone else's forgetfulness!

Regarding the citizens of the Transvaal, it is true that they would not have worn insignia with English inscriptions. What they called themselves, however, is an interesting question and I hope someone will tell us but I could guess at "Boere" (Farmers), "Transvaalers" and maybe "Zuid Afrikaners" (the latter possibly translated to "South Africans" when speaking English).

It is also true that members of the Boer commandos wore civilian clothing, since they were, in fact, civilians ("burghers") but there were definitely regular and uniformed units in both the OVS and ZAR Boer republics. The modern Transvaalse Staatsartillerie (TSA) and (I think) Vrystaatse Artillerie Regiment (VAR) descended directly from Boer artillery regiments.

Back to official military insignia, I would think:
Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek or ZAR - Boer republic
Zuid Afrika - probably early Union of SA (1910) up to around WWI?
Zuid Afrika/South Africa - definitely early Union of SA, 1910 to around WWI?
Suid Africa - around WWI onward
South Africa - 1910 onward (both Union and Republic)
RSA - Republic of South Africa from 1961

Apologies for rambling on a bit, just trying to help any who are as confused by it all as I was and I would welcome corrections.

Regards
Craig

[Milmed]

Hi Craig,
the 'Z' in Zuid is dutch and was used to c.1925/26 when 'S' was adopted as part of the 'new' afrikaans language.

So anything with Zuid Afrika would be early Union (around c.1912) through to 1925/26, although some 'Z' badges have been worn all the way through WWII.

Steven

[Brian Conyngham]

Originally Posted by REMEVMBEA1

It's my age you know , I knew there was another but couldn't for the life of me remember what it was , having said that my point remains, The Boers didn't call themselves South Africans and in fact didn't wear uniform as far as I can see.

The Boer Police (ZARPS) and Artillery wore uniforms and I am led to believe some of their medical staff.

Brian

[iaindh]

Brian,

they were the only 2 permanent force, in the ZAR, (Transvaal Republic,) ZARPs being Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek Politie.
I'm not sure if the Orange Free State, OVS, had any permanent force?

Iain

Originally Posted by Brian Conyngham

The Boer Police (ZARPS) and Artillery wore uniforms and I am led to believe some of their medical staff.

Brian

[Brian Conyngham]

Iain

In the Boer War museum in Bloemfontein a number of Vrystaat Artillery uniforms are on display as well as a Boer Medical hat as part of a uniform.

Brian