Boer Republicans Captured British 7 Pounder Guns

At Mafeking, Baden-Powell referred to Jameson’s pair in his siege diary, stating that they were also in use against his garrison. Further investigation however revealed that the two 200 lb Mark IV guns captured at Kraaipan were the only 7-prs used against the town. Interestingly Mafeking’s town garrison converted some of the unearthed 2.5-in Jameson shells for use with their 3-in 200 lb guns by adding 0.25-in thick copper driving bands to the shells.

Republican forces captured at least four more guns of this design during the Boer War. The first four belonged to the 10th Mountain Battery RGA and fell into Boer hands after the Battle of Nicholson’s Nek on 30 October 1900. While climbing the hill the night before the battle most of the mules, carrying the gun parts, stampeded and disappeared into the darkness. During the next two days the Boers collected the mules and assembled the guns.

ORANJE VRIJSTAAT ARTILLERIE CORPS/ Historical Study and Re-Enactment Group