MEMORANDUM PREPARED IN THE IMPERIAL YEOMANRY HEADQUARTERS STAFF OFFICE, SHOWING THE CHIEF POINTS DESIRED IN RAISING DRAFTS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
15th January, 1901.
The following points are submitted for consideration in connection with the question of increasing the strength of the Imperial Yeomanry now in the field:-
Strength
1. It is suggested, as has already been officially recommended, that the number to be entertained by 5,000. There seems little doubt, from past statistics that if the terms offered be sufficiently liberal, this number of men can be secured at the Yeomanry centres and in London.
Look at Source 6.
Extracts from a memo to recruit more men into Imperial Yeomanry with details of requirements. Catalogue ref: WO 108/375
After the initial military disasters at the start of war in South Africa, it was necessary to raise a Mounted Infantry force. A mobile army, with soldiers who could fight on horseback was vital. British authorities recruited men from its colonies (mainly from southern Africa), and also from the United Kingdom. Those from Britain who joined the Imperial Yeomanry would probably not have otherwise joined the armed forces. Recruitment took place for three contingents throughout 1900 and 1901 and raised over 13,000 men.
- How does the source infer the popularity of the Imperial Yeomanry?
- What requirements were necessary for acceptance into the Imperial Yeomanry?
- Why do you think mounted forces like the Imperial Yeomanry were used in South Africa?
- What do you think made the Imperial Yeomanry popular among those who would not have ordinarily served in the armed forces?